A ROYAL Guard suddenly collapsed as he was guarding the Queen’s coffin at Westminster Hall.
The guard was standing on the raised podium at the foot of the late monarch’s casket when he fell to the floor. The incident happened at around 1am this morning, on the first night of the Queen’s lying-in-state in London.
Footage taken from a live broadcast on the BBC which was posted to social media captured the collapse.
The black-clad guard was holding a ceremonial staff when he appeared to faint, with nearby officials quickly rushing to his aid.
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Soldiers in ceremonial uniform are maintaining a constant, 24-hour vigil around the Queen’s coffin while she is lying in state.
The guards from units which include the Sovereign’s Bodyguard, the Household Division or Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London are required to remain completely still at the four corners of the catafalque.
While the soldiers rotate every 20 minutes, the hours of remaining completely still while standing are six-hours in length. The Queen will lie in state at Westminster Hall until Monday morning, when her official state funeral will be held.
