King Charles III and members of the royal family follow the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, carried by guardsmen who returned from a mission in Iraq to take part in the funeral. Reuters
King Charles III and members of the royal family follow the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, carried by guardsmen who returned from a mission in Iraq to take part in the funeral. Reuters
King Charles III and members of the royal family follow the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, carried by guardsmen who returned from a mission in Iraq to take part in the funeral. Reuters
King Charles III and members of the royal family follow the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, carried by guardsmen who returned from a mission in Iraq to take part in the funeral. Reuters

Queen's pallbearers return to Iraq for counter-ISIS mission after funeral


Laura O'Callaghan
  • English
  • Arabic

The guardsmen who were widely praised for carrying Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin with “precision and reverence” are said to have returned to their duties in Iraq to continue with a counter-ISIS mission.

The group of eight men were handpicked from the Queen’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, for the task of shouldering the late monarch’s coffin at a series of events in London after her death. This included her final journey home to Windsor on the day of her state funeral, the largest event for decades in British royal history.

As millions around the world watched the televised events, the troops were lauded for showing respect and honour under a huge amount of pressure ― some people called for them to be awarded with medals or even knighthoods.

The men were on duty in Iraq when the sovereign died peacefully at Balmoral on September 8 and were flown to the UK to prepare for ceremonial events. The climax of the ceremonies was the funeral on September 19, in which the men carried the coffin into Westminster Abbey trailed by King Charles III and other members of the royal family.

'They are fighting soldiers first and foremost'

Some of the Grenadier Guards have since returned to a base in Iraq, The Express reported, to continue in their roles under the Nato Mission Iraq. The initiative assists Iraqi authorities in building more effective security institutions and armed forces to better enable them to fight terrorism. A key aim of the mission is also to prevent a return of ISIS. In 2014 the terrorist group seized vast areas of Iraq, driving security forces from their posts, seizing Mosul and carrying out massacres against civilians, especially those from minority groups.

ISIS was declared defeated in Iraq in late 2017 but has continued to launch hit-and-run raids.

A senior source in the British Army confirmed to the newspaper that the men had returned to Iraq.

“It is this sharp contrast that the men find so appealing,” the insider said.

“If they only carried out ceremonial duties, I think it would lose its lustre. These are fighting soldiers first and foremost.”

The group of men shot to fame after appearing on live TV broadcasts carrying the queen’s coffin into Westminster Hall for her lying in state. A week later they were on duty again at her state funeral, and were praised for carrying out the duty in an honourable way.

“Precision, reverence, solemnity. My utmost respect for the soldiers from Queen's Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards lifting HM’s coffin, the Royal Navy personnel hauling the gun carriage and all those participating,” radio host Kevin Hughes wrote on Twitter.

“The eight soldiers who carried the queen’s coffin, pretty incredible, can’t imagine the responsibility and the pressure they must have been feeling,” Coby Budge tweeted.

“Quite remarkable,” Jack Halliwell said in response. “I certainly wouldn't have been able to do it, to carry it all that way under that pressure with the weight of the coffin too.”

Carla Lockhart, Upper Bann’s Democratic Unionist Party MP, said: “Amidst the pageantry and occasion, eight young men silently went about their duty.

“The weight of the world on their shoulders, the glare of the world on them, but they were flawless.

“They did themselves, their families and our country proud. Thank you.”

The guardsmen’s unit had a close connection with the queen ― as the serving monarch she held the position of company commander and made a personal review of the company every decade.

The Queen’s Company may later change its name to reflect the new king.

Former British Army soldier Maj Adrian Weale said the role of the company is “to protect her body, both in life and in death, remaining the Queen’s Company until King Charles decides otherwise”.

“Their duties will then be transitioned to the next monarch,” he said.

Queen Elizabeth II's funeral: extraordinary images from an extraordinary day - in pictures

  • King Charles III follows behind the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard with the Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign's orb and sceptre on top, as it is carried out of Westminster Abbey after her state funeral. Reuters
    King Charles III follows behind the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard with the Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign's orb and sceptre on top, as it is carried out of Westminster Abbey after her state funeral. Reuters
  • The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth travels down the Long Walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the Committal Service at St George's Chapel. AP
    The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth travels down the Long Walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the Committal Service at St George's Chapel. AP
  • Pall bearers carry the coffin into St. George's Chapel, in Windsor. AP
    Pall bearers carry the coffin into St. George's Chapel, in Windsor. AP
  • A Royal Guard stands by floral tributes at Windsor Castle. AFP
    A Royal Guard stands by floral tributes at Windsor Castle. AFP
  • The coffin of Queen Elizabeth is pulled on a gun carriage by Royal Navy sailors to Westminster Abbey. Getty Images
    The coffin of Queen Elizabeth is pulled on a gun carriage by Royal Navy sailors to Westminster Abbey. Getty Images
  • Prince William and Prince Harry follow the coffin of the queen after her state funeral in Westminster Abbey. AP
    Prince William and Prince Harry follow the coffin of the queen after her state funeral in Westminster Abbey. AP
  • Emma, the monarch's fell pony, stands as Queen Elizabeth's coffin passes at Windsor Castle. PA
    Emma, the monarch's fell pony, stands as Queen Elizabeth's coffin passes at Windsor Castle. PA
  • Members of the royal household stand with Queen Elizabeth's Corgis, Muick and Sandy, as they await the funeral cortege at St. George's Chapel, Windsor. AP
    Members of the royal household stand with Queen Elizabeth's Corgis, Muick and Sandy, as they await the funeral cortege at St. George's Chapel, Windsor. AP
  • Catherine, Princess of Wales, attends the state funeral service in London. AFP
    Catherine, Princess of Wales, attends the state funeral service in London. AFP
  • The coffin of Queen Elizabeth is pulled along The Mall following her funeral service in Westminster Abbey. AP
    The coffin of Queen Elizabeth is pulled along The Mall following her funeral service in Westminster Abbey. AP
  • Flowers thrown by the public lie on the hearse carrying the coffin as it arrives at Windsor Castle. AP
    Flowers thrown by the public lie on the hearse carrying the coffin as it arrives at Windsor Castle. AP
  • King Charles at the state funeral in London. Reuters
    King Charles at the state funeral in London. Reuters
  • People sleep before the funeral service at Westminster Abbey. AFP
    People sleep before the funeral service at Westminster Abbey. AFP
  • A giant screen honouring the late queen at Piccadilly Circus in London. EPA
    A giant screen honouring the late queen at Piccadilly Circus in London. EPA
  • King Charles looks towards the coffin of his mother at Westminster Abbey. Getty Images
    King Charles looks towards the coffin of his mother at Westminster Abbey. Getty Images
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, sitting in a car as a British flag is reflected in its window. AFP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, sitting in a car as a British flag is reflected in its window. AFP
  • Buckingham Palace household staff return through the gates of the palace after paying their respects. AFP
    Buckingham Palace household staff return through the gates of the palace after paying their respects. AFP
  • Staff Sergeant Yeoman Darren Fowler, right, and Captain Rebecca Cooper from the Royal Signals at the Elizabeth Tower, checking that Big Ben Chimes in time with gunfire during the state funeral procession. EPA
    Staff Sergeant Yeoman Darren Fowler, right, and Captain Rebecca Cooper from the Royal Signals at the Elizabeth Tower, checking that Big Ben Chimes in time with gunfire during the state funeral procession. EPA
  • King Charles salutes as he is driven past Wellington Arch in London. Getty Images
    King Charles salutes as he is driven past Wellington Arch in London. Getty Images
  • The London skyline is seen as the procession moves down The Mall. Getty Images
    The London skyline is seen as the procession moves down The Mall. Getty Images
  • The coffin of the queen is pulled on a gun carriage by Royal Navy sailors from Westminster Abbey. Getty Images
    The coffin of the queen is pulled on a gun carriage by Royal Navy sailors from Westminster Abbey. Getty Images
  • Princess Charlotte arrives by car ahead of the funeral in central London. AP
    Princess Charlotte arrives by car ahead of the funeral in central London. AP
  • The coffin is carried into St George's Chapel for the Committal Service, in Windsor Castle. AP
    The coffin is carried into St George's Chapel for the Committal Service, in Windsor Castle. AP
  • A woman cries in London's Hyde Park while watching the funeral service. AP
    A woman cries in London's Hyde Park while watching the funeral service. AP
  • Prince George looks towards his father Prince William during the Committal Service at St George's Chapel. Getty Images
    Prince George looks towards his father Prince William during the Committal Service at St George's Chapel. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth's coffin is driven along the Long Walk towards Windsor Castle. Reuters
    Queen Elizabeth's coffin is driven along the Long Walk towards Windsor Castle. Reuters
  • People waiting along the route that the coffin will be pulled on a gun carriage in central London. AP
    People waiting along the route that the coffin will be pulled on a gun carriage in central London. AP
  • King Charles and the Queen Consort Camilla follow the coffin at St George's Chapel. AP
    King Charles and the Queen Consort Camilla follow the coffin at St George's Chapel. AP
  • The Royal State Hearse arrives at Windsor Castle. Getty Images
    The Royal State Hearse arrives at Windsor Castle. Getty Images
  • King Charles follows the State Gun Carriage as it carries the coffin at Westminster Abbey. PA
    King Charles follows the State Gun Carriage as it carries the coffin at Westminster Abbey. PA
  • Members of the public gather to see the coffin as it travels from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch in London. Getty Images
    Members of the public gather to see the coffin as it travels from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch in London. Getty Images
  • King Charles and members of the royal family follow behind the coffin as it is carried into Westminster Abbey. PA
    King Charles and members of the royal family follow behind the coffin as it is carried into Westminster Abbey. PA
  • The Imperial State Crown resting on the coffin. Getty Images
    The Imperial State Crown resting on the coffin. Getty Images
  • The hearse transporting the coffin is covered in flowers thrown by the public. AFP
    The hearse transporting the coffin is covered in flowers thrown by the public. AFP
  • The Bearer Party of The Queen's Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards carries the coffin from Westminster Abbey. AFP
    The Bearer Party of The Queen's Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards carries the coffin from Westminster Abbey. AFP
Teaching your child to save

Pre-school (three - five years)

You can’t yet talk about investing or borrowing, but introduce a “classic” money bank and start putting gifts and allowances away. When the child wants a specific toy, have them save for it and help them track their progress.

Early childhood (six - eight years)

Replace the money bank with three jars labelled ‘saving’, ‘spending’ and ‘sharing’. Have the child divide their allowance into the three jars each week and explain their choices in splitting their pocket money. A guide could be 25 per cent saving, 50 per cent spending, 25 per cent for charity and gift-giving.

Middle childhood (nine - 11 years)

Open a bank savings account and help your child establish a budget and set a savings goal. Introduce the notion of ‘paying yourself first’ by putting away savings as soon as your allowance is paid.

Young teens (12 - 14 years)

Change your child’s allowance from weekly to monthly and help them pinpoint long-range goals such as a trip, so they can start longer-term saving and find new ways to increase their saving.

Teenage (15 - 18 years)

Discuss mutual expectations about university costs and identify what they can help fund and set goals. Don’t pay for everything, so they can experience the pride of contributing.

Young adulthood (19 - 22 years)

Discuss post-graduation plans and future life goals, quantify expenses such as first apartment, work wardrobe, holidays and help them continue to save towards these goals.

* JP Morgan Private Bank 

Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut

Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”

 

 

The biog

Family: Parents and four sisters

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing at American University of Sharjah

A self-confessed foodie, she enjoys trying out new cuisines, her current favourite is the poke superfood bowls

Likes reading: autobiographies and fiction

Favourite holiday destination: Italy

Posts information about challenges, events, runs in other emirates on the group's Instagram account @Anagowrunning

Has created a database of Emirati and GCC sportspeople on Instagram @abeermk, highlight: Athletes

Apart from training, also talks to women about nutrition, healthy lifestyle, diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure

Usain Bolt's time for the 100m at major championships

2008 Beijing Olympics 9.69 seconds

2009 Berlin World Championships 9.58

2011 Daegu World Championships Disqualified

2012 London Olympics 9.63

2013 Moscow World Championships 9.77

2015 Beijing World Championships 9.79

2016 Rio Olympics 9.81

2017 London World Championships 9.95

Hotel Silence
Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir
Pushkin Press

Which honey takes your fancy?

Al Ghaf Honey

The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year

Sidr Honey

The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest

Samar Honey

The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments

THE CLOWN OF GAZA

Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah 

Starring: Alaa Meqdad

Rating: 4/5

Is it worth it? We put cheesecake frap to the test.

The verdict from the nutritionists is damning. But does a cheesecake frappuccino taste good enough to merit the indulgence?

My advice is to only go there if you have unusually sweet tooth. I like my puddings, but this was a bit much even for me. The first hit is a winner, but it's downhill, slowly, from there. Each sip is a little less satisfying than the last, and maybe it was just all that sugar, but it isn't long before the rush is replaced by a creeping remorse. And half of the thing is still left.

The caramel version is far superior to the blueberry, too. If someone put a full caramel cheesecake through a liquidiser and scooped out the contents, it would probably taste something like this. Blueberry, on the other hand, has more of an artificial taste. It's like someone has tried to invent this drink in a lab, and while early results were promising, they're still in the testing phase. It isn't terrible, but something isn't quite right either.

So if you want an experience, go for a small, and opt for the caramel. But if you want a cheesecake, it's probably more satisfying, and not quite as unhealthy, to just order the real thing.

 

 

If%20you%20go
%3Cp%3EThere%20are%20regular%20flights%20from%20Dubai%20to%20Kathmandu.%20Fares%20with%20Air%20Arabia%20and%20flydubai%20start%20at%20Dh1%2C265.%3Cbr%3EIn%20Kathmandu%2C%20rooms%20at%20the%20Oasis%20Kathmandu%20Hotel%20start%20at%20Dh195%20and%20Dh120%20at%20Hotel%20Ganesh%20Himal.%3Cbr%3EThird%20Rock%20Adventures%20offers%20professionally%20run%20group%20and%20individual%20treks%20and%20tours%20using%20highly%20experienced%20guides%20throughout%20Nepal%2C%20Bhutan%20and%20other%20parts%20of%20the%20Himalayas.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Our legal consultants

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

While you're here
Explainer: Tanween Design Programme

Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.

The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.

It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.

The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.

Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”

500 People from Gaza enter France

115 Special programme for artists

25   Evacuation of injured and sick

Updated: September 27, 2022, 9:07 AM