THIS striking photo shows a Royal Horse Guard at the Queen's coronation nearly 70 years ago as the country comes together to mourn her death.

Ken Clarke of Leigh Sinton, near Malvern, is the second soldier from the left in the photo, taken during the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

Then aged 20, he is pictured standing ramrod straight in full uniform, a sword resting on his shoulder in a role which the late Mr Clarke, an avowed Royalist, viewed with pride. 

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Mr Clarke, who died aged 78 in 2011, served in the Royal Horse Guards as part of his national service. 

Today the regiment is known as the Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons), formed in 1969 from the merger of the Royal Horse Guards, which was known as "the Blues" or "the Oxford Blues", and the Royal Dragoons, which was known as "the Royals".

The Queen died peacefully last Thursday at Balmoral with her state funeral due to take place at Westminster Abbey on Monday, September 19.

As thousands lined the streets of the Scottish capital Edinburgh to pay their respects today (Monday, September 12), the brother of the late Worcestershire horse guard recalls the pride he felt in being part of her coronation in London nearly 70 years ago.

Mr Clarke was the third eldest of six children and was described by his family as a 'true royalist'.

His brother, Joe Clarke, said: "He was very proud of the part he played on that special day as were his mother and father. Unfortunately, Ken passed away in 2011 aged 78 so will never see the Coronation of his beloved Queen's son but if he could he would imagine himself there as he was so many years ago."

On February 6, 1952, King George VI died following a prolonged illness and Princess Elizabeth immediately acceded to the throne, becoming Queen Elizabeth II and taking on all of the responsibilities which came with her new title.

The coronation took place in Westminster Abbey on June 2, 1953, conducted by Dr Geoffrey Fisher, Archbishop of Canterbury.