SOLDIERS from the Queen’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, were specifically chosen to protect her body both in life and death.
And as Her Majesty is laid to rest today – the Queen’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards will play an important role.
What is the camp colour of the Queen’s Company?
The Queen’s Company Camp Colour is a regimental flag which carries the official title of The Queen’s Company Colour Royal Standard of the Regiment and is specific to the Queen.
The flag is crimson and made from silk and because of the Queen’s 70 year reign, it is now the oldest colour still in use in the armed forces, though it will be retired today.
The Queen’s Company will retain its name up until the monarch is laid to rest, and will later change to reflect the new King.
Who will place the Queen’s company colour on the coffin?
The Queen’s Company of The Grenadier Guards traditionally provides the pallbearers for all deceased monarchs, as all soldiers within the company are over the height of six feet.
The Queen’s Company of The Grenadier Guards traditionally provides the pallbearers for all deceased monarchs
Major Johnny Hathaway-White, 36, from Wiltshire, will lay the Camp Colour of the Captain of the Queen’s Company at Windsor Castle after it is placed onto a catafalque – a raised platform.
The flag will be laid at the foot of the Queen’s coffin – it had been at the Regimental Headquarters of the Grenadier Guards being prepared.
Who are the Grenadier Guards?
The Grenadier Guards is one of the oldest and most senior infantry regiments in the British Army.
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They specialise in Light Role Infantry operations, often using light vehicles such as quad bikes to get around – and are ready to deploy anywhere in the world at short notice.
They are renowned for their dual role – serving on overseas exercises and on the battlefield, as well as carrying out ceremonial duties in London and at Windsor Castle and guarding the Royal Palace.
The history of the Grenadier Guards dates back over 360 years since 1656 – when a Royal Regiment of Guards was formed by King Charles II at Bruges in Flanders.
Since its formation, the Regiment has fought in all the major wars in which the country has been involved, including Waterloo, the Crimean War, the battles of the 1st and 2nd World Wars, and Afghanistan.
