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Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral guardsman found dead at 18: Was foul play involved?

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II leaves Buckingham Palace in central London to address Parliament at the official State Opening of Parliament ceremony at Westminster on May 25, 2010 in London, England. Queen Elizabeth II will unveil the new coalition government's legislative programme in a speech delivered to members of Parliament and Peers in The House of Lords. Laws expected to be introduced in the coming Parliamentary year are thought to include new voting reforms, repeal of identity card legislation and new powers for parents to start their own schools. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Jack Burnell-Williams, one of Queen Elizabeth II’s guardsmen, was discovered dead at an army barracks weeks after the State Funeral. He was only 18 years old.

The Guardian broke the news about Burnell-Williams, reporting that the guardsman was discovered unresponsive at Hyde Park Barracks in Knightsbridge and died on September 28.

A spokesperson said to the news outlet:

“It is with sadness that we can confirm the death of Trooper Jack Burnell-Williams on 28 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.”

Meanwhile, MailOnline confirmed that paramedics and police were dispatched to the scene at 3:48 p.m. However, after the responders arrived, he was pronounced dead.

Burnell-Williams’ death was unexpected, but police have stated that his death is not being investigated. They also ruled out the possibility of foul play.

Metropolitan Police, on the other hand, said in a statement to PEOPLE that its officers would assist in completing a report to be submitted to the coroner.

According to The Independent, the guardsman’s mother, Laura, posted statements on Facebook that were later removed or made private. Burnell-Williams was described as a wonderful son whose death was heartbreaking.

Burnell-Williams was one of the guardsmen who escorted the monarch’s coffin from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch.

According to Yahoo! News, he was a recruit who had already participated in several events leading up to Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral.

In the absence of a cause of death for Burnell-Williams, various rumors have circulated, including claims that he committed suicide.

Several Twitter users quoted an unnamed source as saying the guardsman committed suicide.

Still, this should be taken with a grain of salt because no confirmation has been made public. Instead, internet users paid tribute to him and thanked him for his service to Queen Elizabeth II until his death.

Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at 96, according to her doctors, after announcing she was not in good health. She was laid to rest alongside Prince Philip’s remains in King George VI’s memorial chapel.