This year marked the 40th anniversary of my appointment as a herald, one of the human playing-cards who turn out in colourful costumes to lend a splash of colour to state occasions overseen by the Earl Marshal, the Duke of Norfolk. We knew that we would be mobilised for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, but of course hoped that the day would never come.
I was at my club when the news arrived. Following the drill, I immediately rang the Garter King of Arms, our boss, who told me to report to the College of Arms at 8am the following morning for briefing. Thus began a marathon that ended with us marching for nearly four miles, through London and Windsor Great Park, in full ceremonial dress, leading the procession that carried Her late Majesty to her final resting place.
