Everyday heroes speak of an 'incredible honour' after being invited to Queen's funeral

A lifeboat volunteer who helped save more than a dozen lives has spoken of the "incredible honor and immense privilege" of being invited to the Queen's state funeral.< /p>

Guy Addington, a 44-year-old man from Kent and a member of the RNLI charity for 27 years, is among nearly 200 everyday heroes who will join the Royal Family and world leaders at Westminster Abbey on Monday .

Some 183 key workers and volunteers who received honors during the Queen's Birthday Honors in June will be part of the congregation of 2,000 gathered to bid a final farewell to the monarch.

They also include 88-year-old Ella Elizabeth Marks, who received an MBE this year for her charity work and who attended the coronation of George VI in 1937 on her father's shoulders.

Mr. Addington, from Kent, was part of teams that helped 378 people and saved 13 lives, told the Mirror: "It's an incredible honor and a huge privilege. It's probably the most amazing and surreal thing that happened to me."

He will travel to London this weekend and said he was "truly grateful" for the opportunity to offer his condolences to the Royal Family and King Charles III on their loss.

He said: 'Her Majesty meant a lot to me personally and to the RNLI - the Queen, Her Majesty, has been our godmother for so long, for 70 years.

"Not just a figurehead, someone who has clearly demonstrated continued commitment and enthusiasm for the work we have done."

The Queen's coffin will remain in Westminster Hall until Monday's state funeral (

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Getty Images)

"I'm just in the incredible position of being able to offer my condolences not just personally, but from the RNLI and say a final goodbye to someone who has become a truly valued member of the RNLI family ."< /p>

Mr. Addington also met the late Queen in 2011 during the monarch's visit to Margate Lifeboat Station.

"I thought maybe what I would enjoy most was a glimpse of Her Majesty driving by, or maybe walking past a small line of people and shaking a few hands.< /p>

"But it was clear as soon as Her Majesty arrived at the station that they were very keen to meet all of us individually.

"Her Majesty came in small groups of the team, speaking to everyone individually. I was really nervous about how to address Her Majesty and what to say, what not to say.

"But as soon as Her Majesty arrived in our group, I was immediately at ease - she had a very good talent for putting you at ease. It was really like chatting with your grandmother It was amazing that kind of ability to interact on a personal level."