It’s been tough day already
A police officer has fainted while on duty in London for the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
He was pictured as while being carried away on a stretcher during the event.
The officer collapsed, near Parliament square, shortly before the procession walked down the Mall.
Medics rushed him away on a stretcher minutes before the Queen’s coffin came through.
His condition remains unconfirmed but is not thought to be serious.
It comes after a Royal guard fainted and fell off the podium where he was protecting the Queen’s coffin on Thursday.
Queues of people have been snaking their way through the streets of London to see the Queen lying in state.
The first members of the public have arrived to see Queen Elizabeth II Lying-In-State.
These people have spent two nights sleeping on the street to get to the front of the queue.
Black Rod greets mourners at the entrance to Westminster Hall. pic.twitter.com/GPMPqcZeip
— Royal Central (@RoyalCentral) September 14, 2022
Guards are in place to protect the coffin after it was marched to the hall from Buckingham Palace.
But for one the strain appeared to be overwhelming after he fainted on the spot.
There were gasps from mourners as he fell to the ground which was caught in a video.
Royal guard collapses while guarding the Queen's coffin, landing face-first on the concrete. pic.twitter.com/IwEwOiYX0K
— PoliticsJOE (@PoliticsJOE_UK) September 15, 2022
It happened as a set of guards were beginning to swap duties.
According to Mirror reports, one appeared to be trembling before seconds later falling.
Two police officers could be seen racing over to pick him up before the video cut out and then went to images of the Houses of Parliament.
Shocked viewers also took to social media with one tweeting: “He must’ve been so overwhelmed with what was happening.”
Another said: “Bless him – just happened to tune in; saw he was a bit wobbly and feared he’d faint. Hope he’s ok.”
Similar comments included: “Poor man, I hope he’s alright. It was awful to see” and “It’s such a massive responsibility during such a historical moment. I hope he’s fine.”
The funeral is being aired on BBC One, BBC News, and BBC iPlayer, while ITV will air the event live and uninterrupted on its main channel and simultaneously on all of its digital channels.
Related links:
- Prince Harry and Prince Andrew arrive at Queen’s funeral wearing morning suit
- Why you have never seen a picture of the Queen pregnant – even though she has four children
- Behind-the-scenes photos show exhausted beefeaters taking a break from guarding Queen’s coffin
- Woman visits Queen’s coffin eight times in less than 24 hours
