What world leaders and royal family members will attend Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral?
Many leaders from around the world will descend on London on Monday for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. Let’s a look at who has confirmed the invitation.
The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II may end up being one of the most historic and memorable of the twenty-first century. Rarely do global leaders and elites gather in one place at such a scale. The event is scheduled to begin at 11 AM at Westminister Abbey and is to be attended by over 2,000 people.
The leaders that are sure to be in attendance are those that represent members of the Commonwealth, like Justin Trudeau of Canada, Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand, and Indian President Droupadi Murmu.
On the European side, the presidents of Germany, Ireland, and Italy, as well as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, are expected to represent the union just across the channel.
MSNBC reported that invitations to the funeral were sent to leaders of all major countries, with the exception of five: Syria, Venezuela, Afghanistan, Russia, Belarus, and Myanmar. All of these countries do not have full diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom, which has been cited as the reason why they were left off the invite list.
Will President Biden attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II?
Yes, President Biden will join over five hundred foreign dignitaries that will be arriving this weekend in London for the event. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, confirmed that the invitation received was only sent to the president and the first lady. The pair will travel without a larger delegation, unlike the funeral of South African leader Nelson Mandela.
Who else will be attending?
In addition to political leaders, other monarchs and religious and cultural figures will also be in attendance.
On the monarchical side, the event will be attended by:
- Netherlands - King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and former Queen Beatrix.
- Spain - King Felipe, Queen Letizia of Spain, Emeritus King Juan Carlos I, and former Queen of Spain Sofia.
- Belgium - King Philippe and Queen Mathilde
- Denmark - Queen Margrethe, Crown Prince Frederik
- Monaco - Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco
- Luxembourg - Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa
- Norway - King Harald and Queen Sonja
- Greece - Crown Prince Pavlos
- Liechtenstein - Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie
- Japan - Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako
- Tonga - King Tupou
- Bhutan - King Jigme & Queen Jetsun
- Malaysia - Yang di-Pertuan Agong Abdullah & Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku
- Oman - Sultan Haitham
- Brunei - Sultan Hassanal.
Celebrities ranging from Sir David Attenborough to Sandra Oh and many other musicians and actors from in and out of the Commonwealth will attend. Lin Manuel Miranda, the man behind Hamilton, which in part tracks the US independence from the British crown, is also expected to attend.
Pope Francis has said that he will not attend but that a high-level Vatican official will be sent in his place.