Loved Ones of Teen Soldier, 18, Say He Died by Suicide Days After Escorting Queen Elizabeth’s Coffin at Her Funeral

Jack Burnell-Williams, an 18-year-old trooper with the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment who walked alongside Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin during her funeral in September 2022, was later found unresponsive at army barracks in London and was pronounced dead.

At the time, the Metropolitan Police described his death as unexpected and said it was not being treated as suspicious.

A new report from The Daily Mail, published Saturday, Jan. 10, says Burnell-Williams’ family and friends believe he died by suicide.

An inquest into his death is now scheduled for February 2026, more than three years after he was found dead, according to a memo from Victoria Sedgwick, the lawyer representing his mother, Laura Williams.

Sedgwick said in the memo, published Friday, Jan. 9, that her client’s priority is to understand what happened and, if necessary, push for changes so other families do not face a similar loss. She added that Williams respects the coroner’s role and will not comment further until the inquest is complete.

“The forthcoming inquest will provide Jack’s mother with an opportunity to gain a clearer understanding of the events surrounding his death and to have her questions answered,” Sedgwick wrote.

Burnell-Williams’ mother is also urging the army to examine the mental health support available to younger service members, according to The Daily Mail. An army spokesperson told the outlet that internal findings will be shared after the inquest.

Burnell-Williams’ colleagues remembered him as an “endearing character” with an “infectious smile,” The Daily Mail reported.

The South Wales native took part in the ceremonial escort from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch during the funeral procession, The Guardian previously reported.

An army spokesperson said at the time: “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.”

Queen Elizabeth II died on Sept. 8, 2022, at age 96. Her funeral and burial took place on Sept. 19.

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