Scottish Secretary begins vigil over the Queen’s coffin

Alister Jack stood alongside Defence Secretary Ben Wallace at the Queen's coffin as she lies in state in Westminster Hall

Author: PA MediaPublished 15th Sep 2022

Two members of Liz Truss's Cabinet stood vigil at the Queen's coffin as she lies in state in Westminster Hall.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace stood solemnly in dark uniforms on Thursday at the raised platform on which the coffin rests.

Both men are members of the Royal Company of Archers, which functions as the sovereign's bodyguard in Scotland.

READ MORE: Queen's Death: Day by day account of what happens next

The unit also watched over the coffin while it was in St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh earlier in the week.

After the Queen's death at Balmoral in Scotland, Mr Wallace said she had "dedicated her life to serving her nation".

Speaking about the Queen after her death was announced, Mr Jack said: "Her long reign was defined by hard work and dedicated public service, earning her the respect and devotion of her citizens."

READ MORE: King Charles leads royals as they walk behind Queen's coffin

The Queen's coffin is being guarded in Westminster Hall at all hours by units from the Sovereign's Bodyguard, the Household Division or Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London.

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