Guard shares emotional behind-the-scenes image of Queen's vigil

A Yeoman Warder who is standing guard in front of Queen Elizabeth II's coffin as she lies in state has shared an emotional image from behind-the scenes.

The guard, named Spike Abbott, shared a simple yet poignant image of the uniform that the guards must wear to protect the Queen on Twitter. The picture highlights the bright red uniforms on the rack, with the staffs that they have to hold leaning against the wall next to the rack.

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"One vigil done, three more to do before dawn," he wrote to accompany the image.

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Many commenters thanked him for his work.

"Spike, we as a country are very proud of what you are doing right now for us. Thank you," wrote one.

"Many a silent tear fallen in your moments of honouring our Queen I'm sure...I can't imagine the feelings you go through whilst standing next to her and guarding her.," said another.

The guards, historically also known as "beefeaters", must rotate every 20 minutes. "Guards have 20 minutes on duty, and 40 minutes off duty," according to Royal Central.

READ MORE: Royal faints at sight of Queen's coffin

Another guard made headlines after fainting during the Queen's 24 hour vigil held on Wednesday night (Thursday AEST).

The rotation of the guards had begun when a member of the Royal Company of Archers collapsed onto the stone floor of Westminster Hall.

He was quickly tended to by police officers and taken away for treatment.