Major Robert Wilmont MBE is buried with full military honours

The funeral has taken place in Bushmills today (Wednesday) of Major Robert James Wilmont MBE.

Major Wilmont was buried with full military honours following a Service of Thanksgiving in Dunluce Presbyterian Church.

The north Antrim village came to a standstill as the the funeral procession set off from Main Street at 1pm, before making its way to the church via Dunluce Road and Priestland Road.

Accompanying the hearse on its journey were members of Major Wilmont's family as well as former colleagues and an Irish Wolfhound, regimental mascot of the Irish Guards.

Major Wilmont, who was born and raised in Bushmills, passed away peacefully in hospital on August 26.

He served over 40 years in the military before retiring in 2024.

During a distinguished career, Major Wilmont was one of 7,000 guards who attended King Charles III’s Coronation in 2023, the largest military parade seen in the United Kingdom since Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne in 1953.

He was also on parade at Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022 before, just a few months later, being given the honour of guarding the coffin as the former monarch lay in state at Westminster Hall.

Tributes have been paid to a man who carried his values of discipline, honour and loyalty into every aspect of his life and whose memory will remain an enduring source of pride and comfort.

Major Robert (Robbie) Wilmont was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery following a Service of Thanksgiving in Dunluce Presbyterian Church.

* Further coverage in Tuesday's Chronicle newspapers.