King Charles III honours David Sanderson from Morpeth and the other seven pallbearers who carried the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II at her state funeral

The eight servicemen were recognised in the list by King Charles III alongside a number of royal aides and military personnel for the roles they played during the period of national mourning.

The soldiers from the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, who were widely praised in the UK and abroad for their professionalism and precision during the services at Westminster and Windsor, have received the Royal Victorian Medal (Silver) honour.

David, a former King Edward VI School pupil, was positioned at the front of the Queen's coffin, and carried it on his right shoulder.

Among those congratulating him and the others this week was Morpeth Mayor Alison Byard.

She said: “I’m sure that the whole town is enormously proud of David and his colleagues that they were chosen for this great responsibility and honour, under the eyes of the whole world, and that they carried it out so flawlessly.

“We are all delighted that these fine young men have been awarded the Royal Victorian Medal (Silver) for this last poignant service to her Majesty and send our warmest congratulations to David and his family in Morpeth.”

After leaving school at 16, David studied at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate and Infantry Training Centre in Catterick, where he was awarded ‘Best Shot upon Passing Out’.

He then joined his first regiment, 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, Nijmegen Company. At the end of 2021, he transferred to 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards and the prestigious Queen's Company.

David was also part of the guard of honour which welcomed Prince Philip to Windsor at his funeral in April 2021.

His family said just after the Queen’s funeral that they were “beyond proud” of the way he and the other pallbearers conducted themselves.

David’s mother, Carolyn, added: “He will never forget this. He looked after her from the very start to her last journey.

“Seeing him on the television going to Westminster Abbey was just amazing. I just lost it. They were all brilliant, I think it was perfect.”

Before joining the Army, David played second row for Morpeth RFC and competed in the discus, hammer and shot put for Morpeth Harriers.