For Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral will be held on September 19 at Westminster Abbeywill be attended by state leaders from all over the world. The British government expects up to 500 politicians, diplomats and monarchs. Accordingly, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office issued a firm recommendation to foreign visitors. In particular, he recommended that Londoners arrive on scheduled flights as Heathrow Airport will be closed to private flights. Also, on the day of the funeral, guests will not be able to reach Westminster Abbey in their limousines.

Heads of state will be transported to the cathedral… by bus. After the funeral service, they will go to the garden next to the Abbey, where a meeting is planned with the British Foreign Secretary. Delegates are then scheduled to return by coach to West London, where they will change cars. However, questions immediately arose as to who US President Joe Biden was while traveling abroad, he drives his “Beast”.armored limousine.

Joe Biden individually. ‘Serious concern’ among leaders

However, according to “Politico”, the protocols sent to foreign embassies will not apply, among other things, in the case of the president of the United States. This means that Joe Biden will arrive at the funeral in his limousine. This caused the discontent of all other countries, especially those belonging to the G7. “Countries of all sizes oppose the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s requirements,” Politico reported. As the service added, Britain faced “diplomatic opposition”.

Politico also noted that on Monday the prime minister’s spokesman explained that in some cases the limousine ban decision would only be a “guideline” and the arrangements for the arrival of certain leaders would vary “according to individual circumstances.” Such a declaration is meant to “embolden” diplomats who insist their heads of state be treated the same as Biden.

However, a diplomat said “serious concern” also existed among leaders over the identity of fellow passengers in the shared carriage. “Our president wants to take the bus, but he is over 80 years old, so if there is a way to avoid it, we will try.”

Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. Who will be attending?

Hundreds of current and former heads of state and government and other dignitaries will pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. US President Joe Biden, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, South Korean President Jun Suk-yeol, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern have confirmed their attendance.

The intention to participate was also expressed by the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, who proposed a joint trip to the ceremony of the heads of government of New Zealand and ten island leaders in the Pacific Ocean. A Japanese delegation, including Emperor Naruhito and his wife Masako, and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida may also attend the funeral.

The situation is similar with the presidents of Turkey and France: Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Emmanuel Macron. Italian President Sergio Mattarelli will also attend the ceremony. Spain will most likely be represented by King Felipe VI. Other European royals from Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden will also be making the trip. Andrzej Duda’s participation was confirmed on TVN24 by Paweł Szrot from the Chancellery of the President.

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A symbolic farewell to Queen Elizabeth II. The crowd headed to the Palace of Westminster