Prince William says Queen will be ‘looking down’ on her funeral as he meets troops who will stand with him at service
PRINCE William today said the Queen will be looking down on her funeral as he met troops taking part in the service next week.
The Prince and Princess of Wales visited an army training centre in Surrey ahead of the emotional service on Monday.
They greeted members of the Australian, Canadian and New Zealand military – who will stand by their side on September 19 – at Pirbright this afternoon.
One of them, Greg Gifford, 31, said William told them Her Majesty would be interested “in the detail” of the soldiers – including how they carry out their drills.
He told the PA News agency: “One of the key things I took away from what he said was how the Queen will definitely be looking down on the whole funeral service.
“He said she would be interested in the detail of the soldiers, how the drill is carried out, it’s precision, our dress, things like that.”
It comes as…
- Prince William will lead the Queen’s grandchildren at a poignant vigil at her coffin tomorrow
- Prince Harry will wear his uniform at the vigil after being granted permission by the King
- The list of 500 heads of state and dignitaries attending the Queen’s funeral has been confirmed
- Charles greets cheering school kids as he visits Wales for first time since becoming King
- Queen Consort Camilla has been soldiering on with her duties despite breaking a toe two weeks ago
- Entry to the queue to see the Queen lying in state was paused for at least six hours before another formed – as David Beckham lines up from 2am before wiping away tears
- A minute-by-minute guide on Her Majesty’s funeral details has been released
It came as the New Zealand Army performed a Haka – a ceremonial dance in Māori culture – in Her Majesty’s memory.
And in one touching moment, William put his hand on his wife’s back offering her a show of support.
Yesterday, more details were revealed about the funeral, which will see some 2,000 people gather at Westminster Abbey.
Wills and Harry will walk side-by-side as they did in the procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall on Wednesday – in a haunting echo of Princess Diana’s funeral, when the brothers, aged 12 and 15, stood shoulder to shoulder as they followed their mother’s casket.
World leaders, foreign royals and chosen members of the public will join the siblings united in grief at the poignant service.
And 17 recipients of the Victoria Cross and the George Cross – two of the most prestigious military honours – will be among those to attend, including one from New Zealand and four from Australia.
READ MORE ON THE QUEEN'S DEATH
Earlier today, several said they were “humbled and honoured” to be involved in the historic event.
Seven will be involved in the Procession of the Orders of Chivalry, including Colour Sergeant Johnson Beharry VC, who was awarded for twice saving colleagues while under fire in Iraq.
The 43-year-old, of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, said: “I am deeply saddened at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“She was an extraordinary role model and an inspiration to many.
“In every engagement that I have had with her she showed great compassion, humility and pure warmth.
“Pinning upon me the Victoria Cross is among the fondest memories that I will hold very closely to my heart.
“I feel very humble and honoured and indeed fortunate to be included in her funeral procession.”
Those representing the George Cross are Jim Beaton GC CVO, Tony Gledhill GC and Major Peter Norton GC.
Major Norton, chairman of the VC and GC Association, said: “In January 1983 I swore an oath of allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, her heirs and successors; almost 40 years later, over 30 of which have been spent in uniform, I hold that allegiance still to be true.
“For me, Queen Elizabeth II was the boss and I enjoyed every single year in her service.
“Being awarded the George Cross by her was the greatest of honours and it was subsequently a privilege and joy to have met her on so many occasions.”
‘HUMBLED AND HONOURED’
The 59-year-old was awarded in 2006 after checking for an improvised explosive device (IED) near Baghdad the year before, leading to the loss of his left leg, severe injuries to his right leg, abdomen, back and left arm.
Mr Beaton, 79, was awarded the George Cross for helping to foil a gunman’s attempted kidnap of Princess Anne in 1974, and he was shot three times protecting the Queen’s daughter.
While Mr Gledhill, 84, a former police officer, was awarded the George Cross in May 1967 for an act of bravery for pursuing a recklessly driven car.
“I’m a real royalist so it will be an honour to be involved in the procession, we have rehearsals and various other things in the next few days,” he said.
“It’s something I’ll be very proud of.”
Bill (Willie) Apiata VC, 50, will be representing the Victoria Cross for New Zealand, and will be walking alongside Mark Donaldson VC, 43, from Australia in the procession.
Also representing Australia is Keith Payne VC, 89.
The others attending the funeral are Matt Croucher GC, Corporal Dan Keighran VC, Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG, Dom Troulan GC QGM, Kevin Haberfield GC, Kim Hughes GC, Captain Sam Shephard GC, Chris Finney GC, Corporal Josh Leakey VC and Keith Payne VC.
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The service will be conducted by the Dean of Windsor, with Prime Minister Liz Truss and Commonwealth secretary general Baroness Scotland reading the lessons, and the Archbishop of Canterbury delivering the sermon.
Some 800 people, including members of the Queen’s Household and Windsor estate staff, will attend the committal service at 4pm in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.
