Proud mum of Queen’s pallbearer had ‘no idea’ he would be carrying coffin
The family of one of the Queen’s pallbearers had ‘no idea’ he would be part of the funeral procession.
David Sanderson’s mother, Carolyn, only realised the important role her son had when rehearsal images surfaced a few days before.
The 19-year-old, from Morpeth in Northumberland, was among the group of ‘flawless’ soldiers who took on the daunting task of carrying the the Queen’s coffin as millions of people around the world watched.
David had managed to keep his role as pallbearer a complete secret from his parents and younger brother until just a few days before the funeral.
Carolyn told MailOnline: ’I’m beyond proud. It has just been amazing. I still can’t believe it happened.
‘We didn’t actually know anything because it was all private to the army. We were looking at some photographs of the rehearsal and my husband said it looked like our David.
‘I looked and said “of course it is!” It’s just wonderful. I think I’ve discovered a new emotion.
‘Seeing him on the television going to Westminster Abbey was just amazing. I just lost it – that’s our David. They were all brilliant, I think it was perfect.’
David’s unit, the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards from the Queen’s Company, had a close connection with the late royal.
As the serving monarch, she held the position of company commander and made a personal review of the company every decade.
On the day the Queen died, the unit had been deployed on operations in Iraq but returned to take part in the ceremonial events.
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David’s father, Peter, 56, told MailOnline: ‘The Grenadiers was in his blood, it’s all he has ever wanted to do. His grandfather served with the Queen’s Company, joining in 1958, so David was very aware of the history of the regiment.
‘But he wasn’t following in anyone’s footsteps, he’s his own man with his own ambitions and he wanted to be part of the history and prestige of the Queen’s Company.
‘When he got in he can’t have imagined he’d end up performing that particular duty, but he has an it’s an achievement he can be proud of for the rest of his life.’
The unshakeable work of the Queen’s eight pallbearers has been commended across the country since Monday.
Carla Lockhart, Upper Bann’s DUP MP, had said: ‘Amidst the pageantry and occasion, eight young men silently went about their duty.
‘The weight of the world on their shoulders, the glare of the world on them, but they were flawless.
‘They did themselves, their families and our country proud. Thank you.’
Tory MP Tom Hunt added: ‘I can’t imagine how hard and emotionally challenging it must have been to have carried Her Late Majesty’s coffin just once.
‘They’ve done it time and time again this week. With billions watching. They’ve done Her Late Majesty and the country proud.’
The Queen’s Company will soon change its name to reflect the new King.
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