Two tall figures accompanied the body of Queen Elizabeth in the funeral procession. One was Paul Gowaibrew, the Queen’s most devoted and longest-serving follower.
Two tall male figures accompanied Queen Elizabeth’s body in the funeral procession, ahead of the hearse that carried the coffin through the streets of London. One, the younger bespectacled man on the left, was her personal secretary from 2018 and former personal of Prince Philip, Matthew McGee.
The second man, the decorated elderly man who also accompanied the body to Windsor Castle, was Paul Gowaibrew, the Queen’s most devoted and longest-serving follower, or ‘tall Paul’ as he is known to people at the palace and in Royal family.
The man walking in front of the carriage taking Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin is “Tall Paul” or Paul Whybrew, page of the backstairs, who has served for more than 40 years and has been described as her favorite courtier.
He was loyal until the end pic.twitter.com/KhVQKs6GqM
— Marcos Widderson (@marcoswidderson) September 15, 2022
Originally a loyal servant and then the Queen’s friend and companion to the end, Tall Paul had the place of honor in front of her coffin – indeed he was one of only three men of Her Majesty’s household staff invited to join the procession but the placement his standing in the middle of the crowd underlined his unique place in the Queen’s life.
Who is Paul Whybrew
With a height of 1.93, hence his nickname, Paul entered the service of the Queen from the age of 19. He passed through various posts, but quickly won the esteem and friendship of the Queen and remained in her service for 44 years – indeed he never started a family of his own and was decorated for his long and loyal service.
Paul has always been by the Queen’s side through thick and thin – from giving her the nasty news about the scandals, taking her personal calls and watching sports together for hours at Balmoral.
According to the Daily Mail, the two “in fact had such a relationship that the Queen told him spicy jokes”.
In 2006, when he turned 80, the Queen personally paid for the refurbishment of his flat in Windsor after asking him to move closer so they could spend time together.
Tall Paul Whybrew, the Queen’s Page for 40 years. Imagine telling jokes and watching TV with Her Majesty? pic.twitter.com/mnH8zUG9Vf
— Princess Mrs B (@PrincessMrsB) September 19, 2022
In fact, Paul was pictured accompanying the Queen and Daniel Craig in the comedy video for the opening of the London Olympics.
Who is Paul Whybrew and how tall is he? https://t.co/NuUJUcuJI7
— The Independent (@Independent) September 19, 2022
Paul accompanied the queen’s body solemnly, his fists clenched and looking only ahead, flawlessly performing the saddest and heaviest sit of his years. Social media “bowed” to his presence.
It was wonderful to see Paul Whybrew (Tall Paul) marching to honor our late Queen. He has served Her Majesty for decades. Thank you to Paul Whybrew for looking after our late Beloved Queen#ElizabethTheGreat #QueensStaff #Respect #monarchy pic.twitter.com/1u3wUwBLqm
— Jojo_Marsh #ISupportOurMonarch (@jojo_marsh) September 16, 2022
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I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
