A military funeral has been held for a trailblazing female Army officer after she was killed in a car crash.

Comrades bid an emotional farewell to Captain Elizabeth Godwin, who was the first female officer of the Life Guards – which is part of the Household Cavalry. She died in Surrey on September 5, aged 28.

The funeral took place on Wednesday at the Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks, London, where nine mounted cavalry troopers from the Life Guards formed a detachment on the Wellington Barracks Square for the arrival of the hearse.

Members of the regiment carried her coffin, and the steps to the chapel were lined by dismounted dutymen from The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals Regiment.

At the top of the steps, there was an honour guard of soldiers from Army Training Regiment Pirbright, young soldiers she had taught at the time of her death.

The hearse bearing her coffin followed the route Captain Godwin took each day to take up her duties when she was an officer of the King’s Life Guard.

Captain Godwin made history when she took part in state ceremonial duties with the Life Guards.

Captain Elizabeth Goodwin, 28, was the first female army officer to serve in the Household Cavalry
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Captain Elizabeth Goodwin, 28, was the first female army officer to serve in the Household Cavalry

The funeral took place on Wednesday at the Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks, London
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The funeral took place on Wednesday at the Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks, London

She played a leading role in the state funeral of Her Late Majesty the Queen and the coronation of His Majesty the King.

The groundbreaking Household Cavalry officer also earned the Sword of Honour as the most impressive officer from her intake at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Captain Godwin joined The Life Guards in 2020, winning the Sword of Honour at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as the best of her intake.

At the time of her death, she was serving in the Army Training Regiment in Pirbright.

Captain Godwin, who grew up in Devon and attended Exeter School, was interviewed at Hyde Park Barracks by British magazine Tatler for its October 2023 issue.

Telling of leading a 29-strong troop, she said: ‘No matter what, you have to have a confident front, because if you don’t believe in yourself, nobody else will.’

Speaking about the King’s coronation, she said: ‘I remember really looking forward to (it) and feeling so privileged.

‘I had fortunately finished my equine training so that I would be in a privileged position to ride in the coronation.’

Family members watch as the Bearer Party carry the coffin from the funeral of Captain Godwin
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Family members watch as the Bearer Party carry the coffin from the funeral of Captain Godwin

Captain Lizzie Godwin leads the sovereign's escort during the King's coronation
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Captain Lizzie Godwin leads the sovereign’s escort during the King’s coronation

Nine mounted cavalry troopers from the Life Guards formed a detachment on the Wellington Barracks Square for the arrival of the hearse
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Nine mounted cavalry troopers from the Life Guards formed a detachment on the Wellington Barracks Square for the arrival of the hearse

Her coffin was carried by members of the regiment, and the steps to the chapel were lined by dismounted dutymen from The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals Regiment
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Her coffin was carried by members of the regiment, and the steps to the chapel were lined by dismounted dutymen from The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals Regiment

Captain Godwin joined The Life Guards in 2020, winning the Sword of Honour at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as the best of her intake
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Captain Godwin joined The Life Guards in 2020, winning the Sword of Honour at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as the best of her intake

Military buglers at the funeral for Captain Elizabeth Godwin, at the Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks, London
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Military buglers at the funeral for Captain Elizabeth Godwin, at the Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks, London

The Bearer Party carry the coffin in to the funeral for Captain Godwin
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The Bearer Party carry the coffin in to the funeral for Captain Godwin

A statement on the Household Cavalry’s Facebook page at the time of her death described her as ‘an utterly dedicated officer who worked tirelessly and always for the good of her soldiers’.

The tribute continued: ‘Lizzie will be remembered as a truly kind, selfless and committed friend to all – seeking opportunities even in the most difficult of circumstances.

‘She embodied servant leadership and everything it is to be a Household Cavalry officer.

‘As we grieve the loss of Lizzie, we kindly ask for privacy for her family and friends.’

Captain Godwin died following a crash at around 8pm between a Nissan and BMW on the A322 Lightwater Bypass.

Friends had told The Sun she was travelling home.

Commanding Officer Lt Col Tom Armitage called her ‘a tough and talented young officer’ in a previous tribute.

He said: ‘Her sudden and untimely death leaves a huge void for all of us in the Household Cavalry.

‘She will be remembered by us all as a lively, fun and dynamic officer with a very bright future ahead of her.’