A well deserved rest.
Since Wednesday, September 14, the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II rests in Westminster Hall, the oldest room in the British Parliament.
The place was open to the public 24 hours a day until 6:30 a.m. Monday, before the state funeral began.
During all this time, several immobile guards and the famous royal guards dressed in red and a high black bearskin cap never stopped watching over the catafalque.
According to the Royal Central website
, they were on duty for 20 minutes, then had 40 minutes off, before returning to their places.
Like elves
Among the guards present is that of the Yeomen Warders (also known as the Beefeaters) who usually guard the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels stored there. since the 1500s. Across the Channel, a snapshot of them caused a sensation, Sunday September 18.
The faithful guards can be seen taking a break in one of the many halls of the Palace of Westminster.
In high socks and high-waisted Bermuda shorts held up by suspenders, the “Beefeaters” relax on cozy sofas, while waiting for their umpteenth round of guard.
An image that made many smile, the red outfits of the guards reminding some of those of Santa's elves.
On the night of Wednesday to Thursday, one of the royal guards surrounding the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II had already been talked about after fainting.
The guard was then taken care of by police officers present on the spot, and the sequence had gone around the world.
Read alsoGrieving clothes and dark glasses: the first images of the Macron couple in Westminster with the queen's coffin
In video, Emmanuel Macron and his wife meditate in front of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II
Henry VIII's personal guard
The Yeoman Warders were created in 1485 by the first Tudor monarch, Henry VII, after the Battle of Bosworth.
It is the oldest existing military body.
Originally, the group was part of Henry VIII's personal guard, who traveled with the monarch to protect him.
Currently numbering 32, they are now recruited from former members of the British Armed Forces.
These men and women, who live within the confines of the "London Tower" with their families, have all to their credit a 22-year career in the army.
Salaries for these positions start at £30,000 per year.
Finally, the annual leave is 23 days per year at the start, then increases to 25.5 days after three years of service and to 26.5 days after ten years of service.
