The president of Israel will be in attendance, however the prime minister will not be. Although Iran’s Supreme Leader will not attend, the BBC’s James Lansdale confirmed that the country will be represented at ambassadorial level. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would attend “if the schedule allows.” The Chinese government is reportedly considering sending a delegation to Monday’s funeral at Westminster Abbey, but it is unclear whether President Xi Jinping will attend. 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 of her close staff, including her ladies-in-waiting and footmen, who will also likely be present to pay their respects to the late queen. All holders of the Victoria Cross or the George Cross will be able to attend the Queen’s funeral, according to the PA news agency. Almost 200 people recognized at the Queen’s birthday in June this year have been invited to attend the Queen’s funeral on Monday, Downing Street said. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “These people from across the UK have been recognized for their outstanding contribution to areas including tackling the Covid-19 pandemic, people volunteering in their communities, charities and those working in the field of health, education. and the wider public sector”.
Who won’t attend the Queen’s funeral?
Invitations to the queen’s funeral have not been sent to Russia, Belarus and Myanmar. Russia has not been invited because of Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, diplomatic sources said. According to Dmitry Peskov, although “Russians respected her for her wisdom”, Putin’s presence at the late queen’s funeral was “not considered”. Venezuela and Syria have not been invited because Britain does not have full diplomatic relations with them, the Telegraph understands. No representative from Afghanistan will be invited due to the current political situation there.
When will the seat plan be released?
The seating plan will be determined after the RSVP deadline on Thursday. This article is updated with the latest information.
