Sunday, September 11, 2022

Foreign Dignitaries Must Share Buses to Travel to the Queen’s Funeral

THE GUARDIAN: Government guidance sets out strict rules urging international royalty and presidents to travel by commercial flights

A floral tribute to Queen Elizabeth II outside Buckingham Palace in London. Photograph: Stéphane de Sakutin/AFP/Getty Images

Foreign heads of state arriving for the Queen’s funeral must travel by bus en masse to Westminster Abbey, rather than using private cars, according to newly issued government guidance.

The documents, seen by the Guardian, set out strict rules for the dozens of international presidents, kings, queens and prime ministers expected to attend the funeral, urging them to travel by commercial flights to avoid swamping London’s airports.

The instructions lay bare the logistical challenge of accommodating the sheer number of overseas dignitaries who will be arriving in London over next weekend – and will pose a dilemma for Joe Biden, who is likely to require a significant amount of additional security. The US president has confirmed he will attend the funeral in person. » | Jessica Elgot and Pippa Crerar | Sunday, September 11, 2022

‘Biden would never ride a bus’: UK and US play down strict rules for Queen’s funeral: Liz Truss’s spokesperson says ‘arrangements will vary’ as more foreign dignitaries confirm attendance »