Tributes paid to 'little brother' of Blues & Royals found dead at Army barracks

Tributes are being paid to a teenage member of the Household Cavalry who was found dead at an Army barracks in London and who is said to have been treated like a "little brother" within the Blues & Royals family.

Trooper Jack Burnell-Williams, who died aged 18 on 28 September, was described as an "endearing character", within the Blues & Royals Squadron, whose "infectious smile" and "sharp humour" made his fellow soldiers laugh with just one look.

The soldier, who is reported to have walked with the Queen's coffin from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch during her state funeral last month, was found unresponsive at Hyde Park Barracks in Knightsbridge just before 16:00 on the Wednesday afternoon, the British Army reported.

• Member of Household Cavalry found dead at London barracks

The Household Cavalry, leading tributes to Trooper Burnell-Williams with a post on social media, described the teenage soldier as a caring and friendly person with compassion and kindness for all who knew him.

The tribute read in full: "It is with great sadness the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment announce the loss of Trooper Jack Burnell-Williams (RHG/D) aged 18.

"He was an endearing character within The Blues & Royals Squadron and always had a smile on his face.

"His fellow soldiers could take one look at him and he would make them laugh by his infectious smile and his short, sharp humour.

"He loved to socialise and did so with plenty of morale and laughter.

"His quiet confidence alongside his love for adrenaline was impressive; he would always volunteer to ride a challenging horse.

"Tpr Burnell-Williams was a member of The Blues & Royals family and was treated like a little brother.

"He was a caring and friendly person with compassion and kindness for all who knew him.

"It has come as a great shock to both The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and his Squadron; he was a soldier with tremendous potential and enthusiasm.

"All who knew him will hold fond memories of his wonderful character and humour, our thoughts are with his family and friends in this trying time.

"At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember him."

Other tributes to the soldier poured out across social media, with many saying he served his country proud or that his 'stag is now over', referring to the military term for Guard Duty.

Many tributes reflected the soldier's young age, as people paid their respects online, saying he was "gone too soon".

The Metropolitan Police last week said the soldier's death had been referred to the coroner.