Jack’s family was expectedly proud of him when he was trusted to guard the late Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin during her royal send-off.
They had no idea that in two weeks, their lives would suddenly change forever.
Jack Burnell-Williams was from Bridgend, South Wales, and grew up a source of pride for his supportive and loving family. His parents—Dan Burnell and Laura Williams—cared for him and their other children with great adoration.
Also called “Jak” as an affectionate nickname, Burnell-Williams eventually worked in the British Army and was believed to be one of the Household Cavalry’s newest recruits.
According to the Daily Mail, Jak served in the Blues and Royals. He was greatly respected among both families and friends, all of whom celebrated each of his many achievements with him.
In June of 2022, Jak was 18 years old and took part in Trooping the Colour as part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations. His parents posted videos of him fulfilling his duties, with his father writing:
“I’m so proud right now my son jack on tv trooping the colour, words can’t describe how proud I am, just wish my dad was still here he would have loved this (sic).”
You can find many of Dan’s postings about his pride for Jak on social media. While no longer with Jak’s mother, Williams, he is often pictured with his partner Stacey Ann Martin.
Jak’s family has described Jak as an avid horseback rider throughout childhood. He had even overcome a series of injuries as he aged, allowing him to pursue his dream of joining the second most senior regiment in the British army.
The regiment served as the monarch’s ceremonial guard and also worked as a frontline armored reconnaissance unit. It was only natural that Jak was then involved in several ceremonial events during the period of mourning for the late Queen, including serving as a pallbearer during Her Majesty’s funeral.
Jak was one of the guardsmen present during Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral procession, walking with her coffin from Westminster AAbbey to Wellington Arch.
Together with 7 other young men, just back from operations in Iraq, Jak performed his heavy-duty quietly in front of the eyes of the world – with trusted shoulders and nerves of steel.
Jak’s father Dan posted a sentimental tribute to his son on Facebook with various short clips of the young soldier participating in the funeral procession. He wrote:
“My son doing his duty for the queen on her final journey, so proud of you Jak Williams (sic).”
Sadly, not even two weeks later, the boy’s parents received heartbreaking news.
Paramedics and officers rushed to Hyde Park Barracks in Knightbridge, central London, after an alarm was raised that afternoon. It was Wednesday, September 28, that Jak was declared dead as emergency personnel arrived on the scene.
While the death was unexpected, the police have said that they do not believe it was suspicious in nature. Jak’s devastated mother confirmed the news of her son’s untimely passing.
In the wake of the 18-year-old’s passing, his many loved ones came forward to express their respects for the soldier. Jak’s girlfriend Molly Holmes, aunt Jodie Darks, and sister Elisha all wrote moving tributes for the late teenager. Darks wrote:
“Such heart breaking news, I can’t believe you’re gone, you was taken way to soon we all love you so much my handsome nephew you made us all so proud (sic).”
On Saturday, October 1, Jak’s family and friends all gathered at Bryntirion Football Club to celebrate him and his life. They all wore blue and released blue balloons into the sky as a tribute to his service in the Blues and Royals. Another aunt wrote on Facebook:
“Just like to say a big thank you on behalf of our family everyone who came along an showed there support towards Jak Williams yesterday such a loving close community. We miss you so much my boy love you always xxx (sic).”
We send our condolences and deepest prayers to Jak’s family, friends, and loved ones. Thank you, Jak, for your service to the army and royal family. You made everyone incredibly proud.
