LONDON, England: King Charles will hold a reception at Buckingham Palace on Sunday, the official state event before Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, expected to be attended by presidents, prime ministers and monarchs from throughout the world.
U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron are among the high-profile guests from overseas who have confirmed they will be attending.
The Queen’s state funeral has become one of the largest policing events in Britain’s history, as world leaders,
Kings, queens and enormous crowds descend upon London for the funeral. The transport arrangements are being finalized, as is the final seating plan, a government official said.
“Her Majesty’s passing has left many people, across many continents, with a profound sense of loss” said Edward Fitzalan-Howard, the Duke of Norfolk, England’s most senior peer, who is in charge of state occasions.
“It is our aim and belief that the state funeral and events of the next few days will unite people across the globe.”
British diplomats are advising foreign attendees to wear dark formal clothing, although national dress may also be worn. Serving military personnel will be allowed to wear ceremonial dress – with or without swords.
Invitations were sent out by Britain to heads of state of nearly every country in the world, apart from Syria, Venezuela, Afghanistan, Russia, Belarus, and Myanmar.
Syria and Venezuela are not invited because Britain does not currently have diplomatic relations with those states, while Afghanistan was not invited due to the current political situation. Russia and Belarus are not being invited to send representatives due to the invasion of Ukraine.
Among the politicians who will also attend are European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and the President of India Droupadi Murmu.
