With the eyes of 29 million people watching one of the most significant historical moments in modern history, a former Kent schoolboy was among those to be centre of attention.

Lance Corporal Tony Flynn, of the 1st Battalion of the Grenadier Guards, was one of eight to be given the job of being one of Her Majesty's pallbearers.

Originally from Halling, near Strood, he joined the infantry regiment just over three years ago, on May 5, 2019.

Speaking during a visit to his old school, Halling Primary, this week, he said: "I planned to become a dog handler or join the Royal Military Police.

"I went to my local recruitment centre in Chatham and he told me there was a four-year waiting list for both jobs, so I'd either have to wait or go into something else.

"My third option was the infantry which is a very broad spectrum but the recruiter there said he could get me into training in two weeks for the guards.

"I had no idea who they were and what they did but I rocked up at Catterick for the first day of training.

"It took me six weeks to find out what the role was what they do and what was expected of me and overall, who the guards were, and that's when I also chose the regiment to go into which happened to be 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards."

From that choice he found himself carrying the Head of State in her 215kg lead-lined coffin to her final resting place three years later.

He said: "It was a surreal moment and a rush of emotions but surprisingly I kept my cool.

"I didn't feel too much whilst I was doing it, I was just in the moment, focussing on all the minute details and to just make sure I did a really good job for the country and royal family themselves."

L Cpl Flynn knew months in advance he would be involved in the funeral after they were chosen following the death of Prince Philip.

Tony was serving in Iraq when he heard the news of the Queen's death and within 24 hours he was on a plane back to the UK to begin rehearsing.

He said: "As soon as we got back I got a night at home then we were straight to London.

"The guards are very particular about what they do and how they do it, focussing on very small things like keeping fingers and thumbs together and so forth.

"All of that amounts to perfection which is what we look for."

But as prepared as he was, the 23-year-old infantryman felt exactly what was at stake with his role.

He said: "Nerves started coming as you're getting changed, getting on the coach and travelling to wherever it is you needed to be.

"You kind of just focus on yourself. There wasn't an overwhelming feeling of excitement or getting scared, it was just getting through it."

Tony has since received many words of encouragement and admiration.

He said: "I got so many messages from people saying how proud they were and how I did the country and myself proud.

"I didn't really think anything of that at the time because my focus was making sure I did my job well for everyone watching.

L Cpl Flynn was welcomed back to his old school, Halling Primary, to open a new jubilee bench in its garden made in honour of the Queen's 70-year reign.

Done as part of the school's remembrance week, it gave pupils time to reflect on what the Queen and remembrance meant to them.

Oscar said: "She was very important to me because she helped carry this country.

"Remembrance to me means love, the queen and helpfulness and the war."

Felix said: "She meant everything really.

"She helped build this country to make it one piece and other countries as well.

"Remembrance is the same thing really but they helped us and survived for this country."

Lila said: "She meant a lot because she ruled our country and did so many things it was incredible."

"I like to celebrate remembrance, my parents do as well.

"We like the Army we think they're really good and protect us really well."

L Cpl Flynn visited each class talking about his experience at the ceremony and showing off the uniform he wore.

Pupils were keen to know if he had ever met the Queen.

He said: "I can only speak from a professional standpoint, as I never really met her.

"I saw her at Windsor Castle during Covid driving around in her Jag.

"She was not only the commander for my company but was also the Colonel for the regiment and Head of the British Army, so she played a big part for us as a company.

He added: "Remembrance for me is just taking a moment to remember those who came before you.

"There are so many in the King's company who have come and gone before you.

"Some stay their full years, some die in the Army, some leave – it's just remembering every single one and remembering what they did for the company and your role.

"Also remember that you will also be playing that role for future generations joining the army as well."