Queen's guard holds back tears during emotional reunion with little sister on duty

Every job has its unique set of challenges. Some pay less while some demand strenuous efforts. Grenadier Guards, the most senior unit of soldiers in the British Army, tirelessly work to protect their nation and the Queen. But when it comes to the duty of protecting one's country and its leaders, there are many more physical and emotional challenges. In 2011, All3Media, a renowned media production and distribution group, made a documentary on the Grenadier Guards. The clipping of one particular newly recruited guard, Stephen Cooper, meeting his little sister while on duty has touched many hearts. 

The documentary gives us a glimpse into the lives of the Grenadier Guards who effectuate ceremonial perfection while also being readily available to fight for their nation in dangerous war zones. Towards the end of this documentary, the story of Cooper's debut as the royal guard after going through meticulous training is covered. While the new royal guard was gearing up in his grey-colored winter uniform, his mother and little sister had arrived in London to witness his big day. "I didn't get much sleep last night," Cooper's mom admitted, nerves fraying over his debut. After a little wardrobe malfunction, Cooper was ready to join his brigade but not before meeting his mom and sister for a while. Even in that tender moment, he upheld his decorum, gently asking his eager little sister to stay back. 

The newly recruited Queen's Guards were all set to protect the Buckingham Palace. The change of guards at the Queen's abode often attracted tourists, as per the documentary. With hundreds of cameras recording their movements, one set of guards marched with great strength and discipline to replace another in the century boxes outside the palace. "Knowing Stephen, he will probably be thinking, 'On board now. Let me get some action," the proud mother said. But Cooper's debut was at the  St. James Palace where he will be a part of the security for Prince Charles and Princes William and Harry. This guard post was open to the public and Cooper became the center of attraction with many tourists waiting to click a picture with him.

Among the tourists, was his little sister Zoe, who was too keen on capturing his debut moment on camera. With tearful eyes, his mom was brimming with pride and she guessed that he would've been emotional too behind his stoic demeanor. Little Zoe ran to her brother with excitement and held his hand while the mom clicked their picture. Since Cooper was supposed to be in a still position, he couldn't reciprocate his love for his sister but when the camera zoomed in, we could see him gripping her little hand tighter. Before leaving, Zoe nuzzled up to her brother's side and one could clearly recognize Cooper getting emotional on his debut day, especially after not having seen his family for long. 

Even after more than a decade, this video still moves people to tears. "Not only was this fascinating but my heart went out to the little girl and the way she admires and obviously loves her brother. It's so great that he went from close to a life of nothing to what seems to be one of the most elite military units in the world. As a former U.S. Marine, I salute these guys," commented @Quasimodo1957. "Steven Cooper did a good job. Still showed up for duty even with the uniform issues. Cool to see he made his mother and sister proud," wrote @RS-jh2kl.