LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace during the procession for the Lying-in State of Queen Elizabeth II on September 14, 2022 in London, England.Tristan Fewings/Pool via REUTERS

LONDON, Sept 15 (Reuters) - British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace stood guard by Queen Elizabeth's coffin on Thursday as the late monarch lay in state inside parliament's Westminster Hall.

Wallace was acting in his capacity as a member of the Royal Company of Archers which functions as the monarch's body guard in Scotland - one of the protective units involved in keeping constant vigil over the coffin.

Wearing the company's dark green uniform, including a traditional Scottish hat known as a Balmoral bonnet, Wallace took a position in front of the coffin as mourners slowly walked past.

Throughout the four and a half-day vigil, guards stand around the catafalque, a raised platform upon which the coffin rests, rotating their watch every 20 minutes.

Wallace was joined by the government's Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack, who is also a member of the Royal Company of Archers.

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For Britain's royal family, plenty rides on what Prince William does as heir to the throne, and eventually, as king.

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