The Queen’s coffin is guarded around the clock by units from the Sovereign’s Bodyguard, Foot Guards or the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. This tradition dates back centuries and is known as the Vigil of the Princes. The guards stand vigil in shifts, ensuring that the coffin is never left unattended.
Who are the Queen’s Guards?
The Queen’s guards carrying out the vigil come from five regiments:
- Grenadier Guards
- Coldstream Guards
- Scots Guards
- Irish Guards
- Welsh Guards
These are all elite infantry regiments in the British Army, collectively known as the Foot Guards. They have a long history and close association with the monarchy, providing protection and ceremonial duties at official royal residences. The soldiers are highly trained and rigorously vetted before being selected to stand vigil over the Queen’s coffin. It is considered a great honor to be chosen for this solemn duty.
What is the Vigil of the Princes?
The Vigil of the Princes is the name given to the continuous around the clock guarding of the sovereign’s coffin. It has its origins in the guarding of King George V’s coffin in 1936. His four sons, Princes Edward, Albert, Henry and George, took turns standing vigil at each corner of the catafalque. This has become an enduring tradition for British monarchs and members of the royal family.
Ever since the Victoria in 1901, all deceased sovereigns have been guarded night and day by soldiers or other members of the royal household. For Queen Elizabeth II, units from the Foot Guards and Household Cavalry are taking turns standing vigil in shifts. Each shift lasts for 20 minutes.
When did the guarding begin?
The constant guarding of Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin began on September 14, 2022, after her coffin arrived at Westminster Hall to lie in state. Units from the Grenadier Guards, the Queen’s most senior infantry regiment, were first assigned guard duty.
The guards change every 20 minutes in a solemn ceremony which involves the incoming troops forming up behind the outgoing troops. When they are in position, the officer in charge salutes the outgoing officer who returns the salute. The outgoing troops then step off the mark, while simultaneously the incoming troops step on. This ensures that the coffin is never left unattended.
Where are the guards stationed?
While the Queen lies in state in Westminster Hall, the guards are stationed at each corner of the raised platform, known as a catafalque, on which the coffin rests. Four guards keep vigil at any given time, one at each corner.
The guards stand with their backs to the coffin, their eyes looking outward and weapons pointing outwards across their bodies. Their gaze is fixed straight ahead focusing on the wall in front of them.
What happens during the guard change?
The guard change involves a highly coordinated and precise series of movements:
- The incoming guards approach silently and line up behind the guards currently on duty.
- When they are in position, the officer in charge salutes the out-going officer who returns the salute.
- The out-going officer calls his unit to attention and they step off the mark together.
- At the same moment, the incoming officer calls his unit to attention and they step on the mark, taking over the vigil.
- The change happens simultaneously so the coffin is never left unattended.
- Throughout the process, the guards carry out synchronized foot stamping as they come to attention before stepping off and on the mark.
It is all performed smoothly, quietly and with solemn dignity befitting the sombre occasion.
How are the guards selected?
The guards standing vigil are hand-picked from senior NCOs and officers. Selection is based on height, build and conduct record. The tallest guards are chosen to stand vigil at the corners where they will be visible to the crowds filing past along the coffin route. Guards must be between 5′ 10″ to 6′ 2″ tall and of robust build. Veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan are typically selected.
Prospective guards must have an impeccable conduct record and demonstrated military discipline. They learn the foot drill movements required for the guard change and practice for hours on end to perfect the smooth, precise actions. Faultless appearance is also essential, with polished boots, pressed uniforms and gleaming weapons.
What is the uniform of the guards?
The guards wear the full ceremonial uniform of their regiment, including the characteristic bearskin hat. The uniforms feature a scarlet tunic with gold buttons, dark blue trousers with a red stripe, and black boots and belts. For the Household Cavalry, they wear the silver cuirass – breastplate and backplate – on a red tunic, with a metal helmet.
Elements of the uniform like the collar, cuffs, trousers and plume denote the specific regiment. For example, the Grenadier Guards have white plumes on their bearskin hats. The guards must present an impeccable turned out appearance when standing vigil.
What weapons do the guards carry?
The guards carry ceremonial weapons appropriate to their regiment. For the Foot Guards regiments, they carry rifles fitted with bayonets. The rifles have had their firing mechanisms disabled so they cannot be fired.
Cavalry regiments carry ceremonial swords at the vigil. The scabbard and hilt bear the intricate ornamentation and markings of their specific unit. For example, the Life Guards carry a curved cavalry sword.
Drawing or resting on their weapons is strictly forbidden while mounted guard. The weapons remain pointed outwards or angled downwards at all times.
Do the guards ever rest?
The sentries remain completely motionless at their posts through their 20 minute vigil. They are not allowed to show any reaction or move a muscle, except during the guards change.
Once they step off the mark, the out-going guards return to nearby Wellington Barracks where they can rest and have refreshments. Meanwhile, the incoming guards cannot eat, drink, smoke, talk, smile or show any reaction while on duty.
After their shift, they have a break of at least 2 hours before mounting guard again. Some guards may take on multiple vigils through the day as units rotate. But no guard spends longer than 1 hour on duty through the day without taking breaks.
What happens when guards faint?
Despite their conditioning and training, guards occasionally faint and collapse while on vigil. This is attributed to a combination of exhaustion and nerves. Standing completely still for long periods while maintaining total focus is extremely demanding both mentally and physically.
If a guard faints on duty, there is an immediate response. The vigils are usually conducted with two extras nearby for contingency. The fainted guard will be quickly replaced with a spare to ensure continuity of the vigil. The fallen guard receives medical attention and is removed as discreetly as possible.
Who commands the guards?
An officer known as the Guard Commander is responsible for overseeing the vigil and guard changes. He is selected from one of the five Foot Guards regiments. The Guard Commander marches along the coffin route, positioning himself near the catafalque to coordinate the ceremony.
He works closely with other officers, conducting inspections and supervising proceedings. Directly responsible for the guards, he gives orders when it is time for units to change over. He also liaises with police, officials and chaplains involved with events at Westminster Hall.
Conclusion
The solemn tradition of standing vigil over the sovereign’s body has been upheld for centuries by elite forces like the Queen’s Foot Guards and Household Cavalry. Their tireless ceremonial guarding provides a constant watch over the monarch in death, just as they protected her in life. The meticulously choreographed guard changes demonstrate military precision and dignity befitting Britain’s longest reigning monarch. The vigil continues until the final procession takes the Queen to her burial place at Windsor Castle.