Who are the Queen’s Colour Squadron? What do they do - and role in Queen’s coffin arrival in London explained

The transportation of the Queen’s coffin from Edinburgh to London on Tuesday (13 September) will bring with it moments of tradtion.

The Queen’s coffin is due to arrive at RAF Northolt before being taken to Buckingham Palace.

The Queen’s Colour Squadron is just one of the military units which will be invovled with the event - but what exactly is the purpose of the unit, and how will it be involved?

Here’s everything you need to know.

What is the Queen’s Colour Squadron?

The Queen’s Colour Squadron is a unit of the Royal Air Force.

Traditionally, it is in charge of the safe-keeping of the Royal colours (flags).

According to the RAF website, the unit “is the RAFs dedicated ceremonial unit, responsible for representing the RAF at both state and national ceremonial occasions”,

It is made up of officers and gunners from the Number 64 Squadron of the RAF Regiment.

The Queen’s Colour Squadron takes part in major events, including State Opening of Parliament and the national Remembrance Service at the Cenotaph, as ceremonial guards.

Officers from this unit were also used to transport the body of Princess Diana from Paris, following her death in August 1997.

What role will the Queen’s Colour Squadron play in the Queen’s arrival in London?

Upon her arrival at Edinburgh Airport, 96 Colour Squardon gunners will give the late monarch a royal guard bearing her colours as her coffin is loaded onto the C-17 Globemaster aircraft.

The 96 gunner represents her death at the age of 96.

Officers from the Queen’s Colour Squadron will welcome the arrival of the Queen’s coffin at RAF Northolt.

This time, alongside the Queen’s colours, they will also display the King’s colours, before giving the Queen a second guard of honour.

Her body will then be transported from RAF Northolt to Buckingham Palace.

Will the Queen’s Colour Squadron be involved in the funeral?

The squadron is expected to support the Queen’s funeral.

It was instrumental to the funeral of Prince Philip in April 2021.

This included officers lining the procession route, as well as providing a role in the RAF’s guard of honour.

It is expected that the unit will take a similar role in the Queen’s funeral on Monday 19 September.