As I photographed Queen’s coffin, there were no Corgies – it finally sank in this would be last time

RETURNING from summer holidays at Balmoral, the Queen always came down the plane’s steps while Palace staff carried her Corgis from of the back.

Last night, as I photographed the Queen’s Colour Squadron carrying her coffin from the C-17 at RAF Northolt, it dawned on me. There were no Corgies this time.

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The Queen always came down the plane’s steps while Palace staff carried her Corgis from of the back[/caption]

Alamy

Last night, as I photographed the Queen’s Colour Squadron carrying her coffin from the C-17 at RAF Northolt, there were no Corgies[/caption]

In that moment, it finally sank in this would be the last time, after 40 years, that I’d photograph the Queen leaving a plane.

I have to admit, it’s been a difficult week.

When I see her face in the paper or on TV it reminds me of many great moments I’ve seen with this incredible woman.

I get choked thinking that I’ll never speak to her again or hear that softly spoken voice, or see that wonderful smile.

That quizzical look as she wandered at her own pace on engagements.

I saw why people loved her. As she got older, she got lovelier.

Watching Princess Anne accompany her coffin, I recalled one of the last times I photographed the Queen.

It was the Platinum Jubilee’s unforgettable first day when she stood on the Buckingham Palace balcony.

She sparkled as the immense crowd greeted her so lovingly. You could see the love returned.

Three months on, more love awaited as she returned for her last night at Buckingham Palace.

Rex