Household Cavalryman Jack Burnell-Williams, 18, was found dead at a barracks in London
Household Cavalryman Jack Burnell-Williams, 18, was found dead at a barracks in London

An 18-year-old soldier who accompanied the Queen’s coffin on her final journey has been found dead at a barracks in London.

Household Cavalryman Jack Burnell-Williams played an important role in the Queen’s state funeral last Monday but died less than two weeks later.

Police and paramedics were called to the Hyde Park Barracks in Knightsbridge, London at 3.48pm on Wednesday in a desperate attempt to save him.

The Met said they are not treating his death as suspicious.

On the day of the funeral, the soldier’s family posted footage oh him in the procession and proudly said he was ‘doing his duty for the Queen on her final journey’.

But just days later devastated mother Laura, 42, took to Facebook again to post an emotional tribute to her son, known as Jak to his family. 

epa10183348 Members of the Life Guards Household Cavalry ride along The Mall ahead of the procession to carry the body of Britain's late Queen Elizabeth II from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, in London, Britain, 14 September 2022. The late queen will lie in state for four days inside Westminster Hall until the morning of her funeral, to be held on 19 September. EPA/TOLGA AKMEN
The soldier’s accompanyed the Queen’s coffin on horeback during the state funeral (Picture: EPA)
Member of household cavalry found dead
Jack’s family plan to release blue balloons into the sky later today to commemorate his memory

Sharing a picture of him on horseback in his ceremonial uniform, Laura said: ‘Never ever thought I would be saying this but we as a family are all heartbroken with the sudden passing of our wonderful son Jak Williams yesterday.’ 

Burnell-Williams’ girlfriend Molly Holmes wrote on social media: ‘Forever going to miss you my love. Truly heartbroken.’

The young soldier’s sister Elisha added: ‘We will get through this together as a team. We need to do him just as proud as he’s done us.’

His aunt Jodie Danks said: ‘Such heartbreaking news. I can’t believe you’re gone.

‘You were taken way too soon. We all love you so much my handsome nephew. You made us all so proud. Rest in peace.’

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At just 18 years of age, Burnell-Williams from Bridgend, South Wales, was likely one of the Household Cavalry’s most recent recruits.

Family and friends are set to gather in his memory at Bryntirion Football Club in Bridgend this afternoon and releaase blue balloons into the sky to celebrate his memory.

An Army spokesman said: ‘It is with sadness that we can confirm the death of Trooper Jack Burnell-Williams on 28th September 2022 at Hyde Park Barracks.

‘Our thoughts are with the soldier’s family and friends at this difficult time and we ask that their privacy is respected.’

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