Bidens head to London for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral

By Jeff Mason

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Joe Biden and his spouse, Jill, headed to London on Saturday to attend Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, departing Washington with none former U.S. presidents, who aren’t participating within the somber occasion.

The White Home stated earlier this week that the royal invitation to the funeral, which takes place on Monday at Westminster Abbey, was for the Bidens solely.

The queen died on Sept. 8 after a 70-year reign, sparking a grief and mourning throughout the UK and all over the world.

She had met a number of U.S. presidents, together with, in newer years, Donald Trump, Barack Obama and George W. Bush. She met 13 of the final 14 American presidents, all besides Lyndon Johnson and beginning with Harry Truman in 1951 when she was nonetheless a princess.

The Bidens, who joined the queen for tea in June 2021, are as a result of arrive in London on Saturday night.

Biden will maintain a bilateral assembly with British Prime Minister Liz Truss on the United Nations Basic Meeting on Wednesday, somewhat than assembly in London on Sunday, her workplace stated on Saturday.

On Sunday the Bidens are scheduled to pay respects to the late sovereign, whose coffin is mendacity in Westminster Corridor. Afterwards they may signal an official condolence ebook earlier than attending a reception hosted by King Charles.

The state funeral on Monday is to be attended by almost 100 presidents and heads of presidency.

Biden, 79, has stated the queen reminded him of his mom. The president is deeply accustomed to grief, having misplaced his grownup son to most cancers in 2015 and his spouse and younger daughter to a automotive accident a long time in the past.

The president and his spouse will return to Washington on Monday after the funeral.

(Reporting by Jeff Mason; Further reporting by Andrea Shalal; Modifying by Daniel Wallis)