Suffolk police officer says working at the Queen’s funeral was an ‘honour’

21 September 2022

Ashley helps line The Mall.

A proud police officer who was deployed to London to represent Suffolk Constabulary during the funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II says he felt honoured and ‘lucky to have had such an opportunity’.

Federation member Ashley Gorbutt was one of the officers lining The Mall, which was bursting with members of the public waiting to catch a glimpse of the cortege and pay their respects to the Queen.

Recalling his experience, Ashley says the whole day ‘felt a bit like a dream’ and something he will be talking about for years to come.

“It was a surreal day, being part of the state funeral. When the Queen’s hearse passed, and we all bowed our heads, it felt like a dream being there. I’ll definitely not be forgetting that shift in a hurry,” said Ashley, whose name was selected at random to represent the Force.

“Although I’m a member of mutual aid, I wasn't chosen by them, so when the opportunity came up directly through the Force, to represent Suffolk Police, I felt very lucky. I believe the name of everyone who had volunteered to work was put into a spreadsheet before a random name was chosen.

“To be there to celebrate the Queen and pay our respects that close to the cortege was something else. It was a nerve-wracking experience but also very moving.

“Although I wore my tunic during my passing out, I’ve never felt smarter or prouder than I did on Monday.”

Ashley (right).

After arriving in London on Sunday and having to get up at 3am to get ready for the 5am start, Ashley, who has been with the Force for three years, was briefed and then sent to position at around 7.30am. His role was to look after members of the public while keeping an eye out for any unusual behaviour.

“I knew I’d be working on Monday but it wasn't until a few days before when I received an email from the Met that I knew how heavily involved I was going to be,” explained Ashley, who was joined by dozens of other officers, not only from forces from the across the country but also across the globe too.

“It was amazing meeting people from across the world, including officers from Fiji, the Caribbean and South Africa.

“As we walked from our meeting point and down towards The Mall, the streets were full of people who had been camping out, and they all cheered for us. It’s hard to explain but it was very moving to see so much gratitude for the police as we don't always feel that.

“Pretty much everyone we saw clapped us or said thanks. It was very humbling.”

Ashley says that he quickly got to know the crowds around him, some of whom he shared conversations with throughout the day.

“I was surprised at how many people turned out on the day. The atmosphere was electric and full of emotions. I met people from all over, even a father and son from China,” he explained.

“It was interesting getting to know the different members of the public. We were chatting about how long they’d been there and they were asking me questions about the job.

“And seeing the Queen’s Guards, as well as the Navy and Armed Forces, while the bagpipes were playing, now that was impressive. Of course, it was difficult because I couldn’t turn around, I had to keep facing the public - although, I did try to get a sneaky peak as the cortege was approaching.

“I feel very lucky to have been given the opportunity.”