To avoid confusion, I will just say that I had thought I would be carrying the newly dedicated National Cyclist's Branch Standard, but it turned out that the basis of my selection was due to my carrying our Hertfordshire County Standard at the Festival of Remembrance just last year [2021].

Joining instructions advised we could either arrive at the Hard Rock Hotel, Marble Arch on Tuesday, 13th September after 15:00 hrs, or before 16:00 Wednesday 14th. I opted for the latter, arriving at 11:15 hrs on the 14th. Checking in wasn't until after 15:00 hrs though, so plonked my kit with the concierge and took a wander around Hyde Park, seeing the massive screens that were playing scenes from HRH's life; then through the gates to the Wellington Arch, diverting north of Green Park by the extensive barriers - and crowds.

Returning to the hotel and checked in, the event briefing gave us all the info we could want. There was to be a rehearsal that evening - in full kit; coaches at 22:00 hrs. They took us through 5 road blocks - each one more impressive than any I had seen before - between our hotel and the MoD building, Horse Guards Avenue, where we were held (and to be fair, fed and watered) until 02:30 hrs the next morning when we formed up outside. I found myself at the end of the rear rank, with a blank file right in front of me.

We marched on; dipped a couple of times; and marched off again - at 04:20 hrs. Coaches back to the hotel, arrived at 07:00 or so, and too tired not to try and get some sleep (the info said breakfast would be extended to 12:00 hrs) so went to bed. Woke up at 11:20 hrs, showered and dressed and made it to late breakfast - which had actually got lost in translation as lunch, instead of breakfast - so a "legendary burger" for yours truly.

The rest of Thursday and Friday was free time, so more wandering, polishing, or polishing and wandering (I forget which way round it was) until kit check on the Saturday morning, 10:30 - 12:30 hrs. RBL had arranged live music - and a quiz - for the evening; I found myself on the "RIFF RAF" table, which came somewhere in the middle. The questions were tough, but the singers were excellent - something from Tosca, I believe, Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" and a few other numbers.

More free time - so long as we stayed "dry" - all day Sunday, which involved intense polishing; I took on board a couple of bulling tips, which will get added to our articles of interest page on the subject.

Breakfast on the big day started at 05:30 hrs, and I made it for 05:40 hrs. Kit check at 06:30 and coaches at 07:00 hrs; even more road blocks, and more breakfast, tea, coffee, water etc. at the MoD.

Formed up outside at 10:30 hrs, marched on into the global gaze that was to be the world's most watched event of all time.

Afterwards, we were given a glass of port, and joined in a Royal Toast, then individually called up and presented with a certificate of appreciation by the RBL President Lt Gen J Bashall - with whom I have cycled to Paris with 3 times.

Although we never had the chance to queue for hours to walk past her coffin and pay our respects, at least her coffin would be walked past us, so we could - and did - pay the respects of the Legion, if not the whole serving and ex-serving community, to her Majesty.

May she rest in peace, and rise in glory.