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Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II will be cremated on Monday. Before this, President Draupadi Murmu reached Westminster Hall in London on Sunday afternoon. He paid tribute to the Queen on behalf of the people of India.
There is a 10-day state mourning in Britain. Queen died on 8 September. Heads of state of many countries will take part in the funeral. However, the picture is still not clear when Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin arrive. The arrival of US President Joe Biden has been confirmed.
2 thousand VVIPs will be involved in the funeral
According to media reports, about 2 thousand VVIPs will attend the funeral. As per Indian time, the funeral will take place at 3.30 pm. It will be telecasted live in many countries of the world.
President Draupadi Murmu arrives at London’s Gatwick Airport to attend the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. Here the officials of the Indian High Commission received him.
Russia did not call
US President Joe Biden, along with his wife, will include the kings and queens of Belgium, Sweden, the Netherlands and Spain. Heads of countries like France, Brazil, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Turkey etc. will also arrive. Russia, Belarus, Myanmar, Iran have not been invited.
It is believed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not been invited because of Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Surprisingly, there is still suspense on calling China. In recent days, Britain has taken a very tough stance against Beijing. Apart from trade and espionage, the two countries have conflicts on many issues.
Will have to go to the funeral site by bus
Invitations have been sent only to heads of state and their spouses. On Sunday evening, the new King Charles will host dinner for the new Heads of State at Buckingham Palace. Heads of state have been asked to come by commercial flight. The place of funeral will have to go by bus instead of private car.
The UK has the first state funeral in 57 years. Earlier in 1965, former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was cremated. The Queen was the head of state of 15 countries during her reign. Queen Elizabeth passed away on September 8, 2022. After this his son Charles became King.