World Leaders, Royal Family Say Farewell to Queen Elizabeth II

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The state funeral will begin at 11:00 a.m. (1000 UTC) at Westminster Abbey, where heads of state and other government representatives will attend. The late queen will then be laid to rest with her late husband, Prince Philip in a private ceremony in St George’s Chapel within in the walls of Windsor Castle.

Around 400 foreign heads of state and dignitaries are expected to attend the funeral, along with members of the royal family and celebrities. Over the past five days, tens of thousands of people waited hours in line to pay their final respects.

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako confirmed their attendance to the funeral. Japan’s emperor rarely attends funerals.

Among Europe’s royal families, Norway's King Harald, the Netherlands' King Willem-Alexander, Sweden’s King Carl, Belgium’s King Philippe, Spain’s King Felipe, Denmark’s Queen Margrethe and Monaco’s Prince Albert will also attend.

Saudi Arabian crown prince and de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman was invited to the funeral but will not be attending.

US President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, will attend. The Bidens were also seen paying their respects yesterday at the late queen’s lying-in-state.

Sources: DW, Reuters, AFP