Entertainment

‘Insanely tall’ man at Queen’s funeral sparks jokes: ‘Must be the royal light bulb changer’

By
Andrew Court
Published Sep. 19, 2022
Updated Sep. 20, 2022, 8:56 a.m. ET
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He took Her Majesty to new heights.

Royal watchers were stunned by the strapping stature of Queen Elizabeth II’s assistant private secretary, who was spotted standing head and shoulders above other mourners at the monarch’s funeral on Monday.

Matthew Magee — who measures 7 feet 2 inches tall — walked ahead of the Queen’s coffin during an outdoor procession, with many taking to Twitter to ask the identity of the “insanely tall” mystery man.

“That very tall man in the funeral procession, a member of the royal household, must be the royal light bulb changer!” one quipped.

“He’s very well known as the Captain of the Royal Household Basketball Team,” another sarcastically remarked.

Matthew Magee
Matthew Magee — who measures 7 feet 2 inches tall — walked ahead of the Queen’s coffin during an outdoor procession.
The aide, who hails from Northern Ireland, was hired by Buckingham Palace back in 2018.
The aide, who hails from Northern Ireland, was hired by Buckingham Palace back in 2018. Sky News

Experts quickly clarified that the man was Magee — who had worked with the Queen for four years until her death.

The aide, who hails from Northern Ireland, was hired by Buckingham Palace in 2018, replacing Samantha Cohen, who went on to work for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Follow The New York Post’s coverage of Queen Elizabeth’s funeral:

Magee had previously worked as the private secretary for Prince Edward and, according to the Daily Mail, was chosen to be promoted to the plum role because of his “brilliant brain” and “great sense of humor.”

Indeed, the aide was spotted with the monarch on several occasions in recent years, providing a comical contrast to the Queen, who measured just 5 feet 3 inches tall.

Queen Consort Camilla joined King Charles behind the coffin inside Westminster Abbey.
The Queen’s coffin is seen being carried into Westminster Abbey ahead of senior royals on Monday.
Prince William, Prince George, Catherine Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte are seen sitting front row at the funeral.
Prince William, Prince George, Princess Catherine of Wales and Princess Charlotte are seen sitting front row at the funeral.

Magee was just one of the many public figures in the spotlight at the history-making funeral on Monday — which was watched by billions around the world.

Eyebrows were raised with President Biden and wife Jill were seated 14 rows back during the service at Westminster Abbey.

Meanwhile, the third in line to the throne, Princess Charlotte, 7, was seen teaching big brother Prince George, 9, some royal etiquette — instructing him to bow during the service.