Case Study: Live Streaming a Royal Navy Military Funeral in Exeter

Funeral Streaming ServicesMilitary FuneralsLive Streaming & VideographyUK Funeral Servicesfuneral streaming companyFuneral WebcastFuneral Streaming Case StudiesRoyal Navy FuneralsMulti-Camera Streaminglive streaming a military funeral
Written By Shaun Foulds

Background

In 2024, we were recommended by Ivan Fisher Independent Funeral Homes Ltd and asked to provide funeral live streaming for the funeral of a Royal Navy serviceman, held at St Margaret’s Church, Topsham, Exeter. The family wanted to ensure that relatives and colleagues from across the UK and overseas could share in the farewell, even if they couldn’t be there in person.

Military funerals are always poignant, bringing together family, comrades, and community to honour a life of service. This one combined naval tradition with personal family tributes, reflecting the dedication of a man who had served his country faithfully.

Because many of the family’s relatives lived abroad, and several veterans who had served alongside him were no longer able to travel, live streaming was the only way for them to take part in the ceremony. On the day, more than 400 devices across 10 countries connected to the live webcast — including viewers in the UK, Spain, New Zealand, the USA, Norway, and Panama.

Challenge

The challenges of live streaming a military funeral are different to those of a standard service:

  • Military protocols: Naval funerals follow precise ceremonial orders. Timing is exact, and nothing can be missed.

  • Venue restrictions: St Margaret’s is a historic church with fixed pews and limited sightlines. Camera placement had to be discreet but effective.

  • Sound clarity: From hymns to naval commands, it was vital that every word and note was captured clearly.

  • Global audience: With hundreds expected online, internet reliability had to be flawless.

Approach

Preparation and coordination

I arrived at the church three hours before the service to set up. This allowed me to test equipment thoroughly, coordinate with the funeral directors (Ivan Fisher Independent Funeral Homes Ltd, who kindly recommended me), and walk through the order of service with the officiant.

Being early also gave me time to plan for the naval ceremonial elements — such as the carrying of the coffin, draped with the Royal Navy ensign — to ensure the cameras would capture these moments without intrusion.

Camera setup

I used a two-camera system for this service:

  • A wide-angle camera covering the architecture, congregation, and atmosphere of the church.

  • A close camera with a long lens for tributes, readings, and family moments.

This combination allowed me to balance intimacy with scale, giving online viewers the same perspective as those present.

Audio

Rather than connecting to the church’s system, I placed microphones at key points:

  • On the minister.

  • At the lectern for tributes and readings.

  • In the church to capture hymns, naval commands, and atmosphere.

Switching between microphones during the service ensured broadcast-quality sound for online viewers, whether it was a heartfelt reading from a relative or the solemn authority of naval orders.

Connectivity

With a global audience expected, I used four bonded 4G/5G internet connections. By combining multiple networks, this system guaranteed a stable feed, ensuring viewers in places as far away as New Zealand could watch without buffering or interruption.

This approach is standard across all my funeral streaming services, giving families complete peace of mind.

The Service

The funeral combined naval ceremony with family reflection.

  • Arrival: The coffin arrived draped in the Royal Navy ensign and carried with full military honours. The Guard of Honour added dignity and tradition, saluting as the coffin entered the church.

  • Inside the church: Hymns and prayers filled the space. The acoustics of St Margaret’s gave weight to every word and song.

  • Family tributes: Relatives spoke movingly of a devoted husband, father, and friend, sharing personal stories that painted a picture of his life beyond the Navy.

  • Naval tributes: Colleagues and veterans shared reflections on his service, his camaraderie, and his professionalism.

The blend of family voices and military honours created a service that was both deeply personal and steeped in tradition.

The Finale

The service concluded with prayers and a final blessing. As the coffin was carried out under escort, naval colleagues gave a final salute. This symbolic moment united all those present — in person and online — in a final act of respect.

For online viewers, the combination of wide and close angles, clear sound, and seamless streaming meant they could take part fully, despite the miles between them.

Outcome

The family received:

  • A full HD recording of the service.

  • A private live stream link available for 12 months.

  • A downloadable copy for permanent keeping.

Over 400 devices across 10 countries connected live, with viewers joining from across the UK and as far afield as the USA, New Zealand, and Panama. For the family, knowing that colleagues and relatives worldwide had been able to share in the farewell was a huge source of comfort.

The combination of military tradition, personal tributes, and professional streaming created a lasting record of a day that meant so much to so many.

FAQs About Live Streaming a Royal Navy or Military Funeral in Exeter

  • Yes. We have extensive experience live streaming Royal Navy and Armed Forces funerals across the UK.

  • We use multiple cameras and carefully placed microphones to balance intimate moments with ceremonial precision.

  • Yes. We use bonded 4G/5G connections, combining four networks to guarantee reliability for viewers worldwide.

  • Absolutely. We provide coverage for funerals in Yorkshire, London, Sandhurst, Portsmouth, and beyond.

  • Yes. We Live Stream, photograph and film funerals all over Exeter and the rest of the UK

Testimonials from the Family

One of the most rewarding aspects of providing live streaming services is hearing from the families we serve. After the service, a family member shared the following with the funeral Directors who had recommended us (Ivan Fisher Independent Funeral Homes Ltd):

“I’m a Funeral Director and I’ve used Shaun on a number of occasions now for streaming funeral services. There is no doubt in my mind that he is one of the best in the business. He is meticulous, knowledgeable and produces a very professional video/stream.

Following my latest funeral with him, I received the following from a relative who wasn’t able to attend. I’ve amended names for privacy.

”I wanted to thank you so much for the quality of the online delivery of the service for Clint today. My partner and I watched with my parents, Sian’s grandparents, and it was a great facility for them (and us). The clarity of sound and visuals was as close to being present as possible, such that we followed the order of service and felt comfortable singing with the congregation. I know Sian and Christine would want you to know the kindness this served to Jim and Sheena. Really heartfelt thanks to the team that delivered it.”

Naturally when I receive feedback like this, I’m extremely pleased.

Thanks Shaun.”
— Paul Fisher ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Why Choose Us for Military Funeral Live Streaming

This funeral in Exeter showed how the live streaming of a Royal Navy or military funeral can bring together families, comrades, and communities across the world. With more than 2,500 funerals’ worth of experience, I specialise in delivering high-quality, respectful coverage that balances military tradition with family needs.

➡️ Learn more about our services:

Contact us on 07772 509101

Shaun Foulds

I’m a Videographer and Photographer travelling the UK Streaming Funerals and Photographing Weddings. I huge contrast between the two but as a storyteller I’m passionate about capturing all the moments life throws at us. 

https://www.ukfuneralvideoservices.com
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