A former bodyguard of the Queen from Market Rasen, reflects on 17 years by her side
Keith Hanson joined the military at the age of 15, and later found himself an 'incredible job' as a member of the Queen's Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard.
A former Queen's bodyguard from Market Rasen looks back at his years of service spent with her majesty. Keith Hanson spent 17 years by the side of Queen Elizabeth II, and over 20 years serving in the Tower of London.
Keith Hanson of Normanby, Market rasen, spent 17 years at the side of Queen Elizabeth as a member of the Queen's Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard.
After joining the military at just 15 years of age, he was appointed as the Chief Exhibitor of the Crown Jewels early in his carreer, before he became the Sovereign's bodyguard at the Tower of London.
He tells of his time as a Queen's bodyguard, which was a total of 17 years:
"It's my colleagues that are waiting in eager anticipation, for the lying in state, for they'll be part of the guard that stands by the corners of it. All in all, over all them years it was just an incredible job, but an incredible opportunity to get up close and personal with the Royals. But in the same vein, see how other people reacted to them.
"Just the engagement, you know, when you stand before her yourself, the way that she sort of looks towards you and makes you feel important, and that she's genuinely interested in you, it's just a great gift that she had, and continued to have all through her reign.
Keith has also met King Charles, whilst he was the Prince:
"I had the pleasure of meeting Prince Charles on some occasions over the years and I actually escorted him on a private tour of the Crown Jewels a few years ago. I think he'll do exceptionally well. He's the most caring, he's fully responsible for all he thinks and does, and he knows what's in front of him, and it is daunting for anybody.
"At this sad time for him, of course, you can see the professionalism coming through, and the fact that it's nation first and going from there."
Keith is attending the Queen's lying in State, to support the other Sovereign Guards and is honoured to attend:
"It's a very sad reflection and we look back over an awful long time, many records being broken with regard to longevity and the rest of it. But as the saying goes, you know the queen is dead, long live the King, and so we must move on to the next chapter. But we will do so with a tear in our eye on Monday. But then a brighter smile on Tuesday, as we move forward."
The Queen's funeral will take place on Monday the 19th of September.