One of the servicemen who bore the Queen’s coffin at her funeral is from Wiltshire, and has been praised for his professionalism and composure at the state funeral.

Major Johnny Hathaway-White, 36, from Wiltshire, laid the Camp Colour of the Captain of the Queen’s Company at Windsor Castle after it was placed onto a catafalque.

He and his fellow soldiers from the Queen’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, had the eyes of the world watching as they carried the coffin draped in the Royal Standard on Monday.

The unit had a close connection with the Queen – as the serving monarch she held the position of company commander and made a personal review of the company every decade.

The work of the eight pallbearers was highlighted by people watching the events as they took place in Westminster and Windsor.

Carla Lockhart, Upper Bann’s DUP MP, said: “Amidst the pageantry and occasion, eight young men silently went about their duty."

Broadcaster Stephen Fry also had high praise: “Bearer Party, to the pub – quick march.

“Bearer Party, lift tankard. Bearer party, down beer. You’ve earned it.”

The coffin had been at the Regimental Headquarters of the Grenadier Guards being prepared.

The colour was presented to the Grenadier Guards by the sovereign after the Queen became the monarch, and it was only paraded in her presence and has never been changed or replaced.

On the day the Queen died, the unit was deployed on operations in Iraq, and was returned from operations.

Soldiers from the Queen’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, were chosen to lift the coffin during the service at Westminster Abbey and Windsor Castle.

Although a senior officer took day-to-day control, the former sovereign’s connection with her men was strong, and they are set to pay tribute to her during the service.

Former British Army soldier Major Adrian Weale also told the PA news agency: “They became the Queen’s Company immediately after the death of George VI and the Queen has been commander ever since.

“It’s their role to protect her body, both in life and in death, remaining the Queen’s Company until King Charles decides otherwise.

“Their duties will then be transitioned to the next monarch.”

The coffin was moved from the Palace of Westminster to Westminster Abbey for the service at 11am.

The Queen’s coffin made the 1.5-mile journey from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch in London, where it was then carried by the state hearse to Windsor in Berkshire, where the Queen was laid to rest.