The ceremony will be attended by leaders and dignitaries from around the world, including US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron. Almost 200 members of the public recognized at the Queen’s birthday have also been invited, Buckingham Palace confirmed. On Sunday, Biden, First Lady Dr Jill Biden and US Ambassador to the UK Jane Hartley visited Westminster Hall to pay their respects to the Queen as she lies in state. Speaking after his visit, the US president said the world was “better” because of the late monarch’s influence, adding that the Queen reminded him of his mother. “I think what she [Queen Elizabeth II] it gave was a sense, above all, of the concept of service – we all owe something.’ The service will begin at 11 am. on Monday and will be officiated by the Dean of Westminster, the Most Rev. Dr. David Hoyle, with a homily by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. A ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor. Over the weekend, King Charles III held official meetings, including with prime ministers of the kingdom such as New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern, and with military leaders including Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, head of the UK Armed Forces. Speaking on Sunday, Ardern said the “overwhelming sentiment” from the King when they met was one of “gratitude” for the public and world leaders taking the time to pay their respects. “You could see it meant a lot to see the sheer scale and outpouring of people’s love and affection for her late majesty,” he told the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuensberg programme. Meanwhile, on Sunday, members of the public were urged not to travel to central London to join the queue to see the Queen lying in state, as the government warned of a 13-hour wait. Thousands of visitors have flocked to Westminster Hall to visit the Queen’s coffin, which has been on display since Wednesday. On Sunday, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport warned that access to the queue for new entrants may close later in the day to allow those already waiting a chance to pay their respects. The public has until 6.30 am. of Monday September 19 to see the late monarch. “A decision will be made today as to when the queue will close for Her Majesty the Queen’s state in repose as it reaches capacity,” the culture department said. “To avoid disappointment, do not start to join the queue.” The King is expected to welcome Prime Minister Liz Truss to Buckingham Palace later on Sunday afternoon. Truss is also due to hold informal meetings with a handful of Downing Street leaders who are visiting for the funeral, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Polish President Andrzej Duda and Michael Martin, the Irish Taoiseach. At 8 p.m. on Sunday, a national moment of reflection will be held across the UK, with a minute’s silence to mark the Queen’s legacy.
