Soldier, 18, who guarded Queen’s coffin found dead: ‘Heartbroken’

Soldier, 18, found unresponsive last Wednesday.

18-year-old soldier, Jack Burnell-Williams, was found dead at an army barracks in Hyde park, London, last Wednesday.

Burnell-Williams, who served with the Household Cavalry, died after being found unresponsive at Hyde Park Barracks in Knightsbridge just before 4pm, the army said in a statement. Police and Paramedics were called in an attempt to save the young man, however they were sadly unsuccessful.

The trooper accompanied the Queen’s coffin from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch last month during her state funeral, according to reports from the day.

An army spokesperson stated: “it is with sadness that we can confirm the death of Trooper Jack Burnell-Williams on 28 September 2022 at Hyde Park Barracks. Our thoughts are with the soldier’s family and friends at this difficult time and we ask that their privacy is respected.”

An event in his memory was held on Saturday for his family and friends. It took place at Bryntirion Football Club in Bridgend, South Wales.

His mother, Laura, shared a tribute to her son, alongside a picture of the young man, known to his family as Jak. She said: “Never ever thought I would be saying this but we as a family are all heartbroken with the sudden passing of our wonderful son Jak Williams yesterday.”

The Metropolitan police have said the death had been referred to the coroner, and his death is not being treated as suspicious.

Guarding the Queen’s coffin was his “duty”.

At her majesty’s funeral last month, Burnell-Williams quarded the Queen’s coffin as it made it’s way to Wellington Arch, to the delight of his family and friends.

They proudly described their son as “doing his duty for the Queen on her final journey”.

They had posted videos of the troops from the Household Mounted Cavalry, including the late soldier, taking part in the ceremony as Elizabeth II’s coffin made its way to her final resting place.