Mike Tindall, who is married to the late monarch’s eldest granddaughter Zara Tindall, explained that a larger RAF aircraft was substituted for the original plane to provide a more “dignified” ceremony.
If it was good enough for my lads, it’s good enough for me, the Queen reportedly said while approving the jet that would deliver her coffin.
This is the allegation made by former England rugby union player Mike Tindall, who is married to the late monarch’s oldest granddaughter Zara Tindall.
Before her state funeral on September 19, the coffin of Elizabeth II was flown from Edinburgh Airport to RAF Northolt in west London on an RAF Globemaster C-17 aircraft accompanied by Princess Royal.
Mr. Tindall revealed how the Queen’s original plane option was changed for a larger RAF aircraft to allow for a more “dignified” event.
He stated, “It wasn’t the initial plane chosen, so they had to switch to this large, aging plane to make the ceremony more dignified.”
Mr. Tindall stated that he could not confirm the story, which was sent to him by an “ex-army acquaintance.”
And it appears that the accusations have been spread on social media after allegedly being penned by Pete Bond, who claims he was charged in 2009 as a staff officer with examining procedures for the movement of the Queen’s coffin if she died abroad.
Reportedly, Mr. Bond said that a BAE 146 business jet was supposed to convey the Queen, but its freight bay proved difficult to access, so the larger C-17 was used instead.
Mr. Tindall asserted that the Queen approved the replacement of the aircraft used to repatriate the remains of military people from Afghanistan, stating, “If it’s good enough for my troops, it’s good enough for me.
He continued, “And I believe that about sums up the situation.”
According to a senior RAF source, the military conducted extensive preparations for Her Majesty’s demise. Throughout the operation, only the most relevant assets were employed.”
Mr. Tindall shared the incident on his podcast, The Good, the Bad, and the Rugby, which he co-hosts.
When questioned about his experience over the past few weeks, he responded, “It’s been sad, emotional, and happy.”
When asked to remark on the death of the Queen and her funeral, he stated, “In some ways, it was amazing to watch the family come so close together overnight.
“Obviously (with) a 96-year-old lady, you know it’s going to happen at some point, but you’re never prepared for when it does.”
He said, “I am not a blood relative, but after seeing what my wife Zara had to endure, it is clear that she adored the Queen beyond all else.”
The Rugby World Cup champion also expressed remorse, wishing he had questioned the Queen about the historical events she had observed.
He expressed regret for not having asked her so many more questions. Being jittery when seated next to her.”
