We will say our final goodbyes to Queen Elizabeth II today as the late Queen is laid to rest but who are the coffin bearers?

The Queen’s funeral will mark a major moment in history as the nation thanks Her late Majesty for 70 years of public service.

The Queen passed away peacefully at Balmoral on Thursday 8 September sparking a period of national mourning, but Monday’s state funeral will celebrate the life of the UK's longest-serving monarch.  

The beloved monarch's coffin will make its way from Westminster Abbey after the funeral to Windsor Castle where the committal service will take place in St George’s Chapel.

What to expect from the Queen's funeral

Carried by the military bearer party, the coffin will travel with members of the royal family in procession behind it.

Who are the coffin bearers at the Queen's state funeral?

The coffin bearers are from Queen Elizabeth's unit of which she was Company Commander.

Soldiers from the Queen’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards were chosen to lift the coffin during the service at Westminster Abbey and Windsor Castle.

The Queen's life in pictures

A senior officer was responsible for the day-to-day control, the former sovereign’s connection with her men was strong, and they will pay tribute to her during the service.

The Queen’s Company will retain its name up until the monarch is laid to rest.

The name is expected to change at a later date to mark the new King.

Former British Army soldier Major Adrian Weale told the PA news agency: “They became the Queen’s Company immediately after the death of George VI and the Queen has been commander ever since.

“It’s their role to protect her body, both in life and in death, remaining the Queen’s Company until King Charles decides otherwise.

“Their duties will then be transitioned to the next monarch.”

READ MORE: What is the Royal Family wearing to the Queen's funeral? The uniforms explained

READ MORE: UK newspaper front pages: Newsquest pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

The coffin will be moved from the Palace of Westminster to Westminster Abbey for the service at 11 am.

A public procession will begin at 12.15pm as the Queen’s coffin makes the 1.5-mile journey from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch in London.

It will then be carried by the state hearse to Windsor Castle in Berkshire, where the Queen will be laid to rest.

On the day the Queen died, the unit was deployed on operations in Iraq, and was returned from operations.