No fewer than 500 dignitaries from around the world are expected on September 19 at Westminster Abbey in London for Elizabeth II’s funeral. To prepare for this large-scale funeral, the British authorities sent several recommendations to the guests, according to a document consulted by BFMTV and confirmed by a French ministerial source.
In particular, guests are advised to avoid private flights to the UK. Authorities “encourage the use of commercial flights whenever possible,” the memo says.
If this recommendation is not respected, the authorities specify that only one private jet per country will be authorized and that it will not be able to land at London’s Heathrow airport. Therefore, they encourage delegations to divert to “less congested airports”.
Prioritizing public transport in London
Once on British soil, foreign leaders are once again encouraged to favor public transport. They could go to Westminster Abbey by bus, and not in private cars, according to information from the Politico site.
The British Prime Minister’s spokeswoman for her part clarified on Monday that this organization will also depend on “the individual limitations” of each one.
“Clearly, the modalities relating in particular to the means of transportation of the leaders will vary according to individual limitations. The recommendations are only recommendations,” he said.
A trip to a select committee
Finally, guests are asked to come as a select committee. Only the official representative of the invited country, as well as one of his companions, who preferably will be his spouse, will be able to access the ceremony.
The authorities “regret that due to the limited space […] no other member of the family, staff or entourage of the main guest can be admitted”, further specifies the note.
Joe Biden, Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and many members of royal families from around the world are expected to arrive in London for this historic funeral.
Source: BFM TV
