Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will travel to Britain to attend Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral next week to pay their respects, Japan’s top government spokesman said on Wednesday. Traditionally, a Japanese emperor stays away from funerals either at home or abroad due to a cultural belief based on the Shinto religion that considers death impure. The decision to have Naruhito attend the queen’s funeral underscores the importance and deep bond between the royal families. The funeral will also be attended by HH Amir Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, Emir of Qatar, according to a source familiar with the Qatari leadership. The president of Israel will be in attendance, however the prime minister will not be. Although Iran’s Supreme Leader will not attend the state funeral, the BBC’s James Lansdale has confirmed that the country will be represented at ambassadorial level. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would attend “if the schedule allows.” Four leaders of Commonwealth of the Pacific nations will follow the Australian prime minister to the Queen’s funeral. Anthony Albanese told a news conference shortly before noon local time on Wednesday that the leaders of the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Samoa and Papua New Guinea had accepted Australia’s offer to help with the transport to London. The delegation, due to depart on Thursday night, will also include Governor-General David Harley as well as 10 Australian citizens “who have made extraordinary contributions to their communities”.
Non-high profile figures
Her Majesty relied on several close staff, including ladies-in-waiting and her footmen, who will also likely be present to pay their respects to the late queen.
Who won’t attend the Queen’s funeral?
Invitations to the queen’s funeral have not been sent to Russia, Belarus and Myanmar.
