Lord John Taylor of Holbeach represents South Holland at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey

A man who worked alongside Queen Elizabeth II said it was an honour to attend her historic funeral.

Lord John Taylor of Holbeach was among the hundreds of people invited to Westminster Abbey to say farewell to our longest reigning monarch.

The Royal family were joined by heads of state from across the globe, including American president Joe Biden, during the historic state funeral.

Lord Taylor had got to know the Queen while acting as the Captain of the Honourable Corps of the Gentleman at Arms - a ceremonial bodyguard for the monarch at state occasions.

He said: “The whole service was to celebrate the concept of service and the good that the late Queen had given by the way she had reigned for 70 years.

“For me there was a sense of celebrating what she had brought to the British nation, the Commonwealth and the world.

“It was an immense privilege to be there and I felt that I was very fortunate.”

The Queen’s coffin had been taken on a gun carriage in a military procession from Westminster Hall to the Abbey on Monday morning.

The service had been conducted by the Dean of Westminster, David Hoyle, with the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Rev Justin Welby, taking the sermon and commendation.

Prime Minister Liz Truss spoke during the service, which was followed by a committal service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor.

Lord Taylor had the position as Captain as part of his appointment as Government Chief Whip in the House of Lords for five years.

He had been invited to the service due to this work within The Queen’s household.

Lord Taylor had been seated within the North Transept at the funeral and could see the Sovereign’s Orb, which was presented to the monarchs during her coronation.

He said: “It was not a secular service. This was a religious service.”

Lord Taylor had also paid tribute to King Charles III.

He said: “Everyone had felt that he had done so well.

“After all it was his mother being buried and he coped with it with dignity.”

As he left the Abbey, Lord Taylor was able to spot the famous ‘Beast’ which transports the US president.

Lord Taylor said: “I felt that this was a chance to represent Holbeach and the community where I was born and live.

“I love this area and felt it was good.”

South Holland and Spalding High School were also represented at the service by Eric Fragale.

Mr Fragale, who had been sat close to the grave of the Unknown Warrior, said it had been a moving service.

The school governor said: “It was a majestic service.

“It was very emotional and that struck me when I looked through the entrance and could see the Queen’s coffin arrive.”

Mr Fragale also praised the choir and the service.