Guardsman who took part in Queen’s funeral found dead

A guardsman who participated in Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral was found dead in barracks. 

Jack Trooper Jack Burnell-Williams, 18, guarded the late Queen’s coffin as it was carried from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch on September 19.

18-year-old Burnell Williams served in Household Cavalry. Soon after the incident, Police and paramedics were called to Hyde Park Barracks in Knightsbridge, London. 

The young teenager was pronounced dead on Wednesday by paramedics and the hospital.

The mother of a young boy from Bridgend, South Wales, paid her tribute to her son by publishing a photo of him in his ceremonial uniform.

She shared a photo of her young son with the caption, “Never thought I would be saying this, but we as a family are all heartbroken with the sudden passing of our wonderful son.”

Before his death, the family had shared footage of the Household Cavalry experiencing the ceremony, expressing that they were so proud of Mr Burnell-Williams for accompanying the Queen on her final journey.

They will be setting off dozens of balloons in his memory this week.

Tributes were paid to the young soldier, including the mother of a soldier who served with him.

She wrote: “Absolutely devastated for you as a family. It was a happiness to have met Jack and for our son to have spent the last two years alongside him.”

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson stated, “Police were called at 15:48hrs on Wednesday, September 28, to reports of a man found unresponsive at Hyde Park Barracks.

“Officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service. An 18-year-old man was enunciated dead at the scene. His next of kin have been notified,” the Metropolitan Police spokesperson added.

 “It is with sorrow that we can confirm the death of Trooper Jack Burnell-Williams on September 28 at Hyde Park Barracks. Our thoughts are with the young soldier’s family and friends at this difficult time, and we ask that their privacy is respected,” said Army Spokesperson.