Queen Elizabeth II’s death shook the world — and her own security is not immune. A royal guard fainted while protecting the late monarch’s coffin as it lies in state at Westminster Hall on Wednesday, September 14.The unexpected incident occurred during a livestream of the somber event, stunning not only the crowd in attendance, but viewers across the world as well.As security stood all around the ornately decorated casket, one guard was seen swaying back and forth slightly while trying to keep ahold of his ceremonial staff.
As his knees buckled and he collapsed to the ground, several officials rushed to his aid and the broadcast cut out.According to the Huffington Post UK, soldiers guard the queen’s coffin 24 hours per day while she is lying in state.
The outlet noted that guards are required to stand in all four corners of the “catafalque,” which is the red-carpeted platform on which Her Majesty’s coffin lies.
Guards can be standing still for up to six hours per day.Elizabeth’s casket bears multiple pieces of royal regalia, including the bejeweled Sovereign’s Orb and the Sovereign’s Sceptre With Cross.
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