Queen’s pallbearer speaks with care home residents

A SURREY care home welcomed one of Her Majesty’s pallbearers to hear and reflect on the wartime memories of its veteran residents and share his experiences from one of the most historical events in modern history.

Lance Corporal Tony Flynn, of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, visited Princess Christian Care Centre, part of the Nellsar group, to hear and reflect on the mix of poignant and uplifting memories of the home’s veteran residents who had lived through the Second World War.

Tony, 23, returned to his home town following a recent tour of Iraq and was welcomed to the 96-bed care home, originally built in 1914 as a home for wounded soldiers, having recently served as a pallbearer during the state funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Watched by billions across the globe, Tony was credited for his ‘impeccable’ role alongside seven members of his regiment who carried the coffin of Her Majesty before laying to rest the longest-serving monarch in British history.

He said: “It’s been an unforgettable few weeks, to say the least.

“Serving as one of Her Majesty’s pallbearers was the greatest honour of my life and was made even more special by the fact that it was an experience shared by only seven other people across the globe.

“To be honest, it still hasn’t sunk in and I don’t think it ever will.

“Rewatching the day unfold at Westminster Abbey and listening to everything that was happening outside the room was probably the first moment where I truly understood the magnitude of the day.”

Tony joined the infantry regiment more than three years ago and recently married his long-term partner Hayley, resident liaison at Nellsar, who accompanied him during the service.

Tony spent the morning speaking with a host of wartime veterans at the home before being joined by Woking Town Mayor Saj Hussain and local MP Jonathan Lord for an afternoon of remembrance and reflection.

He added: “It was so nice to return to my home town for a day that centred around appreciating everything that’s been made possible due to the sacrifices of those before us. It was a very informative and humbling experience to spend the day with Princess Christian’s residents and families.

“I really enjoyed exchanging life stories with some remarkable individuals as I don’t often get the chance to hear stories from the past.

“To accompany the local veterans for a day of remembrance and hear first-hand about their wartime experiences serving our country was something I’ll never forget.”