Recognition granted to those who served during Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral ceremonies in Edinburgh.
Servicemen from the Royal Regiment of Scotland, who played a vital role as pallbearers during Queen Elizabeth II’s lying-in-rest at St Giles’ Cathedral, have been recognised in a special honours list. These awards are part of the Royal Victorian Order (RVO) Demise honours, acknowledging personal service to the late monarch.
Key figures honoured include Lieutenant William Bird and Warrant Officer Scott Cox, who were made Members of the RVO. Warrant Officer Anthony Gibson, Garrison Sergeant Major of Edinburgh Garrison, also received the Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO) title for his contributions.
Additional honours went to members of the bearer party, with the Royal Victorian Medal (Silver) awarded to servicemen including Private Lyle Foot, Lance Corporal Ryan McAllister, Private Cameron McCabe, Corporal Robbie Morton, and others.
The awards extend beyond military personnel. John Andrew, the chief steward of St Giles’ Cathedral, and Superintendent Stewart Drummond of Police Scotland were recognised as new Members of the RVO. Dr Joseph Morrow, the Lord Lyon King of Arms, was elevated to Commander, and Alexander Garty, who coordinated transport, was honoured as a Lieutenant of the RVO.
The solemn event followed the Queen’s death at Balmoral on 8 September. Her coffin was transported to St Giles’ Cathedral, where it lay in rest for 24 hours, allowing thousands of mourners to pay their respects. Such was the demand that the queue had to be closed by midday. Members of the royal family, including King Charles, the Queen Consort Camilla, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward, participated in a vigil beside the coffin.
The RVO awards, granted at the King’s discretion, are independent of government recommendation and are reserved for individuals who have personally served the monarch or the royal family. These honours underscore the deep gratitude for those who contributed to the historic and poignant ceremonies.
