President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have accepted invitations to attend the event, according to the White House, for a historic day of pomp and celebration as the United Kingdom commemorates the death of its longest-reigning monarch.
“The invitation was only for the president and the first lady,” White House press secretary Karen-Jean-Pierre said, as speculation swirled about whether previous US presidents had been invited. “I would like to refer you to the United Kingdom, its government, on this protocol in general.”
Beginning with Harry S. Truman in 1951, Elizabeth, who died at the age of 96, met all US presidents during her lifetime except for Lyndon Johnson – 13 in total. She met Biden last year.
Her meticulously designed state funeral will begin at 11 a.m. local time on Monday, according to to Buckingham Palace, where the Royal Navy transports her coffin in procession from Westminster Hall, where she will lie in the state, to nearby Westminster Abbey. This is where young Elizabeth married in 1947, as she was coronated in 1953, a year after assuming the throne.
Foreign dignitaries were urged to arrive a day early and bring small teams with them. They were also encouraged to fly commercially, where possible, to avoid congestion at London’s own airports, and told not to use helicopters to get around, according to For British media, citing protocol guidelines from the British Foreign Office. International guests are also expected to attend a reception hosted by the British government immediately after the funeral.
Buckingham Palace did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Washington Post on Tuesday. The Prime Minister’s Office declined to comment on the leaked guidance documents to foreign invitees and referred The Post to the US government for any comment on Biden’s travel and security operations, acknowledging that “arrangements for different leaders will differ.”
In terms of logistics, the 500 guests expected to attend were also asked to help avoid blockages in London’s roads by taking shared buses to historic Westminster Abbey, according to For documents first reported by Politico. However, due to security concerns, an exception may be made for Biden to arrive in his armored presidential limousine, known as “The Beast” – which he also used when attending COP26 . Climate Change Conference In Glasgow, Scotland, last year.
According to unconfirmed media reports, Emperor Naruhito of Japan, who rarely leaves his country, will be given compensation for his private car, as will Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
The White House told the newspaper it could not comment on details of the president’s security.
The American presidential limousine Armored, thicker wheels, a heavy-duty chassis, expanded passenger space, secure encrypted communications technology and an ornate interior that could include foldable desks.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed her attendance and Tell Local media, “You’ll see a fairly equal distribution across the countries of the world,” referring to the number of sites available to guests from the Commonwealth and other countries. Other leaders are expected to attend, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping sent a telegram of condolence to King Charles III last week, according to to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, but it is unclear whether he will attend the funeral. Countries that have strained diplomatic relations with the UK, such as Myanmar and Belarus, mayo Be ignorant. Last week, the Kremlin rejected the idea of Russian President Vladimir Putin attending. “We are not considering such an option,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Tell Government media.
The funeral also collides with the start of another global event, the United Nations General Assembly in New York, scheduled beginning This week and runs until September 27. Press Secretary Jean-Pierre said Monday that Biden will “attend” the assembly. “They are working on the details of that. Once we have more, we will be happy to share it.”
Meanwhile, Britain is going through a period of official national mourning announced by the government shortly after the Queen’s death on Thursday. It ends Monday evening after the funeral, which is also a national holiday, with many people off work and students out of school.
Millions are expected to flock to London to catch a glimpse of the Queen’s historic farewell. Those who wish are expected to pay their last respects to their king because it is located in the state.
Charles He is currently on a tour around the UK before the funeral, along with Camilla, the Queen Consort.
The state funeral for Elizabeth’s mother takes place in Westminster Abbey In 2002, as did Princess Diana in 1997. the last monarch For a state funeral there was King George II in 1760.
After the funeral in London, Elizabeth will make her last trip to Windsor Castle, where she will be buried At St. George’s Church near Her husband, Prince PhilipThe father of King George VI.
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