“Certain funerals remain with you, not just because of their scale or setting, but because they so genuinely reflect the life of the person at their centre,” says W Uden & Sons MD Matthew Uden.
“I’ve overseen many deeply personal farewells, but Maurice Link’s will certainly stay with me. “Maurice’s life was defined by service. A former member of the Queen’s Guard, he took part in Her Majesty’s coronation procession, an honour that spoke volumes about his dedication and discipline. He later joined the Metropolitan Police and went on to serve in local government. It was clear from the outset that his family wished to honour not only these achievements, but the pride and character behind them.
“We began at his home in Southwark, welcomed by the unmistakable sound of a New Orleans jazz band, the Pearly Gates. They formed especially for the occasion, and their presence immediately set the tone for a farewell that would be as uplifting as it was respectful. In the courtyard, Maurice’s wife, family, and close friends raised a glass in his memory, a simple but powerful moment of togetherness.
“The band led the cortege with me alongside. Their music carried through the streets, drawing gentle attention and quiet smiles from those who paused to watch. We even danced a little. “Our journey through
London marked a gradual change in tone. When we reached Westminster Bridge, respectful silence replaced the music. As we approached the Guards’ Chapel, the atmosphere became more formal, reflecting Maurice’s military background.
A piper played and the service was conducted with precision and dignity, everything one would expect for
a man who had served with distinction. “Afterwards, we continued past Buckingham Palace, a route of deep
significance given his connection to royal service. It was a quiet, reflective conclusion to a day that encompassed so much.
“What made this funeral so remarkable was its balance. It brought together celebration and ceremony in equal measure, capturing both the man he was and the life he lived. It’s a farewell that will remain with all of us who were there to witness it.”