When Princess Diana passed away, a private from the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment—where Diana was colonel-in-chief—took on a significant role. Her brother, Earl Spencer, requested that the regiment supply pallbearers for the private funeral at Althorp, following the moving ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
The regiment had just returned to their base in Tidworth, Hampshire, after serving in Omagh, Northern Ireland. Enright, one of the soldiers, recalled, “We were just about to go home for the weekend when we were informed all leave was canceled. We understood it was related to Diana. Volunteers were requested, regardless of rank, with the only requirement being a minimum height of 6 feet, which I met.”
He continued, “Once we were told we would form the final bearer party, everyone was eager to participate. We rushed to the parade ground where the regimental sergeant major conducted the selection process.”
Enright, who later operated an office refurbishment company, was among the two privates selected for the duty. He noted, “We were instructed to keep this completely confidential, sharing only with our closest family.”
For the following two days, the bearer team trained under Flight Sgt Gary Bennett from the Queen’s Colour Squadron of the RAF Regiment. They rehearsed with a coffin and sandbags, perfecting their 100-foot walk across the wooden bridge to Diana’s gravesite on the island.
Enright shared, “We knew the coffin was lead-lined and would be heavy, but we didn’t know its exact weight. We kept practicing repeatedly. We had to execute it perfectly. We couldn’t disappoint the family or the princess.”
The day prior to the funeral, the team lodged at a hotel near Althorp, posing as rugby players. “It was quite believable as we were all large, strong men,” Nigel remarked.
On the funeral day, they meticulously prepared their uniforms and continued rehearsing. “Our shoulders were getting quite sore. But everything had to proceed smoothly, like clockwork,” Enright recalled. “Coarse hessian fabric was laid along the wooden bridge to ensure we didn’t slip.”
