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The family of a teenage soldier suspected of taking his own life just days after escorting Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin has urged the Army to better look after young recruits’ mental health.
Trooper Jack Burnell-Williams, from South Wales, was just 18 when he was pronounced dead at Hyde Park Barracks in London less than a fortnight after he walked in Her Majesty’s funeral procession in September 2022.
Images from that day showed him in his ceremonial uniform as he escorted the monarch on her final journey, along with other members of the Household Cavalry.
Mystery initially surrounded the young man’s death on September 28 three years ago, which police said was not suspicious.
But The Mail on Sunday can reveal that those close to the family are sure Mr Burnell-Williams took his own life.
His mother, Laura Williams, 47, speaking through her lawyer Victoria Sedgwick, last night called for the Army to consider what changes it could make to better support youngsters.
Ms Sedgwick said: ‘My client’s main priority is to fully understand what happened and, if appropriate, for changes to be made so that other families will not have to endure what she has been through.’
The family’s call follows warnings about the Army’s pastoral care from the mother of Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck, who took her life aged 19 after a sexual assault by a superior.
Trooper Jack Burnell-Williams (pictured) was 18 when he was pronounced dead at Hyde Park Barracks in London – less than a fortnight after he walked in Her Majesty’s funeral procession in 2022
Images from the Queen’s funeral procession showed him in his ceremonial uniform as he escorted the monarch on her final journey, along with other members of the Household Cavalry
Ministry of Defence figures show that from 2005 to 2024 there were 281 suicides among UK Armed Forces personnel.
At a review hearing at Inner West London Coroners’ Court in December, assistant coroner Bernard Richmond KC said he expected a full inquest into the death of Trooper Burnell-Williams to take place in February.
The soldier, from the Bridgend area of South Wales, was a member of the Blues and Royals, part of the Household Cavalry.
He guarded the late Queen’s coffin in 2022 and was featured leading a black horse in the official Army film of the funeral.
Colleagues described him as an ‘endearing character’ with an ‘infectious smile’.
An Army spokesman confirmed its own investigations would be published on the Government’s website after the inquest.
For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit samaritans.org
