For logistical reasons, Japanese Emperor Naruhito, European monarchs and heads of state and government would travel by bus to Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral in London, according to media reports. There will be very few exceptions, such as for US President Joe Biden and Israeli President Izchak Herzog, the BBC reported.
The online portal “Politico” wrote on Friday that top guests such as the kings of Belgium, Spain, Sweden and the Netherlands, as well as heads of state and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen would travel by luxury bus from a secret meeting point in the west of the British capital. drove to Westminster Abbey.
The Japanese Emperor and his wife Empress Masako, whose visit is considered a special honor, are also expected to board a bus. However, the demand has been widely criticized, according to “Politico”.
Cars don’t go out
According to the BBC, organizers defended the plan. “It’s not about vehicles. It’s about making sure the right people are in the right place at the right time,” the broadcaster quoted a British government official as saying. “You bet, they just can’t come in separate cars.”
According to the BBC, about 300 government employees, who have been withdrawn from various ministries and agencies, are preparing around the clock for Monday’s state ceremony.
Reception at Buckingham Palace
Heads of State or Government may only bring one other person, larger delegations are reserved for members of the Commonwealth of Nations. Therefore, former US Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump are not expected to come. Austria is represented by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and his wife.
On Sunday, King Charles III. a reception at Buckingham Palace. Prince William and Princess Kate will also reportedly attend.
Chinese delegation excluded
In addition, heads of state and government should be able to see the Queen’s closed coffin, which will be displayed in Westminster Hall in the British Parliament until early Monday morning. Parliament Speaker Lindsay Hoyle is said to have excluded the Chinese delegation.
The reason for this is Chinese sanctions against several British parliamentarians after Britain initially imposed punitive measures on those responsible for the oppression of the Uyghur Muslim minority in the Xinjiang region. Hoyle has housing rights on Parliament grounds.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
