The certificate award could go to the Eight Grenadier Guards, who carried the Queen’s coffin. This is despite the fact that the Order of the British Empire (MBEs), was not given to the hand-picked pallbearers.
Military leaders, politicians and celebrities have all backed calls for the Queen’s faultless pallbearers to be made MBEs.
The Grenadier Guards that carried the Queen’s coffin into Westminster Abbey, St George’s Chapel and St George’s Chapel displayed incredible calm throughout the proceedings.
The Daily Telegraph, however, reported that the pallbearers might be issued a commendation Certificate’ to show appreciation rather than MBEs.
Amazing calm was shown by Grenadier Guards as they carried the Queen’s coffin into Westminster Abbey.
According to one defense source, the award is usually given only to those who have been ‘valent during battle’.
Sources said that everyone who lifted the coffin should be awarded. They also added it is more likely that they will get a commendation certificate.
Lord Dannatt (an ex-head of the army) suggested that the Royal Victoria Order might be appropriate for them to acknowledge their efforts. This is because it’s usually presented to the monarch to personal service.
“What could be more personal that carrying the body of the sovereign for his burial in state?” He inquired.
MP Tobias Ellwood, Chairman of the defence committee, has called for the soldiers to be recognised in the New Year’s honours list.
He stated, “Their performance did both the queen and the nation proud”
Watched by the wellwishers who lined the streets of London and Windsor — and billions worldwide — they produced a perfect performance.
However, yesterday’s parades commander admitted that he has never seen men as nervous and anxious than the ones waiting for the coffin.
According to Lt Col James Shaw, The Sun reported that they carried all the responsibility for the country. This was the most crucial job and had to be done right.
‘They were outstanding from the first when Her Majesty arrived back at Buckingham Palace all the way through to Westminster Abbey and St George’s Chapel.’
David Sanderson is one of Queen Elizabeth’s pallbearers. He is from Morpeth in Northumberland.
Soldier Luke Simpson, from Selston, Nottinghamshire, (pictured before a cadet camp in 2016) was praised by his former teachers at Ashfield School for his role in the funeral
Eight men were handpicked by the Queen’s Company of the regiment and included one teenager as well as a former reservist.
The ninth soldier was Company Sergeant Major Dean Jones. He is a father of one and a married man. Another guard was at the back.
David Sanderson (a British soldier who served in King’s Guard, and now lives in Morpeth in Northumberland) was there to serve alongside him.
MPs Dan Jarvis & SAS: Who Dares Wins star Ant Midton both agree that the soldiers should be admitted to the British Empire.
This award has a history. In 1965, the Grenadiers were responsible for carrying Sir Winston Churchill’s coffin. They received the British Empire Medal (BEM).
For meritorious service, soldiers with the rank warrant officer or lower were eligible for the BEM at the time. MBEs were awarded to lieutenants and officers with higher ranks. After 1993’s review, this distinction was discontinued.
Former Special Forces officer, Mr Middleton said that they “deserved nothing less than an MBE”.
CSM Jones (the eldest member of the party) led his younger charges during the ceremonies. His command’s guardsmen, corporals, and lance sergeants carried the coffin (which weighed in excess of 500lbs) up and down the steps, with no stumbling.
Many had previously served in Iraq, and they were all flown home to England for the funeral.
Yesterday, Major Dean Jones of Company Sergeant was seen at the front with the coffin and led the eight pallbearers.
Fletcher Cox (pictured right), a Jersey guardsman aged 19, was the youngest pallbearer.
Fletcher Cox (Guardsman from Jersey) was thought to have been the youngest pallbearer, being only 19 years.
Cox, an ex-Army cadet, realized his childhood dreams by joining Grenadier Guards.
However, he couldn’t have imagined that he would be trusted enough to transport the coffin of Queen Elizabeth.
His former Ashfield School teachers were very proud of Luke Simpson (a soldier from Selston, Nottinghamshire) for taking part in the funeral. John Maher, the head teacher of Ashfield School said that Simpson took his position ‘center stage at such an historic occasion’ and carried out his duties so professionally.
Yesterday night the Ministry of Defence was unable to confirm whether or not the pallbearers will be awarded a medal for their exceptional performance at funeral.