Wang will be the most senior Asian political leader to attend the service at Westminster Abbey and among representatives of authoritarian states, a group that also includes Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Egypt’s president. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to lead a delegation to London, although his attendance at the funeral has yet to be confirmed. The State Department is refusing to release a full list of guests at this stage for security reasons, and most Middle Eastern leaders, apart from Israeli President Isaac Herzog, have not revealed plans to attend. But confirmation that Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani will attend suggests other Gulf leaders will also attend. With seats for the church at Westminster Abbey still to be filled and the UK refusing to accommodate world leaders, there is still a last-minute scramble going on, even though the deadline for RSVPs has passed. Only kings who are or have recently been heads of state in their country are invited, barring some who lost their thrones long ago. Foreign Office sources said heads of state will have the opportunity to pay small group tributes to the Queen’s body in time-limited events on Friday designed to maximize the number of people who can see her coffin. The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, meets Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle, May 24, 2022. Photo: Steve Parsons/PA They will also be treated to a reception at the Palace on Friday night, travel early on Monday as part of “collective arrangements” to the abbey and then another reception after a funeral with Secretary of State James Cleverley at Church House. For many world leaders, it will be a rare brush with a form of public transport. The Iranian president, Ibrahim Raisi, was not invited to the funeral, even though the UK and Iran maintain bilateral relations. Iran’s charge d’affaires in London is to attend the ceremony and an Iranian Foreign Ministry official signed a book of condolence in Tehran, despite continued hostility in Iran over the British monarchy’s endorsement of the former Shah of Iran. India is represented at the funeral by the president, Droupadi Murmu. Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe have also accepted invitations. Archie Bland and Nimo Omer take you to the top stories and what they mean, free every weekday morning Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our site and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Funeral tours from Westminster Hall to Westminster Abbey and Wellington Arch Some leaders will stay in hotels, royal palaces or embassies, sources said. Instructions have also been issued to permit the use of military uniforms as long as swords are not worn. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is perhaps the most senior African leader to announce his attendance, but the head of state of each Commonwealth country is set to attend with larger than normal delegations. Key European leaders will be French President Emmanuel Macron, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Italian President Sergio Mattarella and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Macron had the chance to speak to King Charles by phone and issued another effusive note reaffirming his determination to improve ties with the UK. Downing Street is set to confirm who UK Prime Minister Liz Truss will meet on Friday, but it has been revealed that there will be a meeting with US President Joe Biden. He will meet world leaders in Downing Street and Chevening country house at the weekend.
