South Yorkshire Officers Commemorate Queen

SOUTH Yorkshire Police officers were proud and honoured to be part of the procession for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral.

Federation Chair Steve Kent said: “We had some of our mounted officers at the Queen’s funeral and quite a few officers who were on the procession. It was absolutely clear from talking to them how proud they were to go down and represent the force. It’s an honour to do something like that under very sad circumstances.

“The whole thing was amazing, the way it was organised for the billions of people who watched it around the world. It really was a showcase for the world, and our officers were proud to be down there doing their bit. I’m sure I speak for a lot of officers who probably wish they’d had the opportunity to be there as well.

“We’ve heard in the media time and time again about how well everything went, even queuing to see the Queen lying in state. There was nothing but positivity, which is a rare thing these days, but very welcome.”

Police officers were mobilised from armed response, mounted units, drone and local neighbourhood teams to protect the procession of the Queen’s coffin.

In total, 24,000 barriers covering 36km of the capital were set up. More than 480 coachloads of officers were deployed around London. Six feeding centres were set up to sustain the officers, who were provided with 25,000 snack bags, 50,000 bottles of water and 28,000 hot drinks. Welfare vans were also deployed.

Two days before the funeral, His Majesty The King paid a visit to the Met’s Command and Control Centre in Lambeth to thank colleagues for their efforts and support.

The Met described it as a “truly immense operation of huge scale and complexity”.

Tiff Lynch, Deputy National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) said: “As Crown servants, it has been an absolute honour for police officers to be part of this monumental, historic event as we said goodbye to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“Our police officers have done the UK proud with their professionalism, respect and extraordinary efforts, under challenging circumstances for the whole world to see.

“During this incredibly complex operation officers have worked long hours with minimal rest, at short notice, with many having to navigate plans and manage cancelled rest days and time off. It has been a privilege for them and there have been no complaints, but it is important to mention so we can appreciate how hard they have worked to help this monumental part of history come together.”