Max Arthur - Lost Voices of the Edwardians - 1901–1910 in Their Own Words

It was a wonderful procession, with the Life and Foot Guards playing the Dead March. The Guard of Honour led; then came the gun carriage covered by the Royal Standard. The new King, Edward VII, followed with many of the Queen's relations and Kings and Princes all in uniform. The finest was the Emperor of Germany in a beautiful white uniform and white helmet with lots of gold on it, and many Orders and decorations. Then came the chiefs of the Navy and Army and members of the Queen's Household, followed by members of the Queen's Court, including her daughters and other relations in royal carriages – all, of course, in black with long veils.

I seem to remember that a purple cushion was on the coffin with a small crown on it. The bands had muffled drums and as the procession came along, one could hear the slow booming of the guns. All very solemn, so much black and such a small coffin – but so much colour as well, with so many uniforms.

My chum and I led the procession into Windsor Castle. When that was over, we went back to barracks and that night three troopers and an officer were told to go up to Windsor Castle and do sentry over the Queen's body. I was posted just outside the Chapel door.

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