The service says the officers are part of the RCMP musical ride, a group of riders and their horses, and will participate in a ceremonial capacity.
Sgt. Major Scott Williamson, riding master for the RCMP, says the musical ride had a “very special” and “quite personal” connection with the Queen.
He says the RCMP has been providing horses to the monarch and the royal family since 1969, beginning with the gift of a horse named Burmese to the queen.
Williamson says the marching band will be at the front of the funeral procession.
The Queen is to lie in state in the Westminster Hall of the British Parliament until Monday morning, when her funeral will be held at nearby Westminster Abbey.
Williamson says being part of the procession is a great honor.
“Obviously it’s incredibly humbling and honored for us as members of the force to be here representing the organization, representing every Canadian that we know would want to be here for this historic moment,” Williamson said Friday.
“It’s very special, it’s not something we take lightly at all.”
RCMP say the officers and horses involved are Cst. Katy Loisel riding George; Cpl. Justine Rogawski riding Elizabeth. Williamson riding Darby; Supt. Kevin Fahey riding Sir John; and Cpl. Derek Quilley is assisting the RCMP delegation.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on September 16, 2022.
