By Emily Caulkett-
World leaders due to attend the Queen’s state funeral have reportedly been asked to fly to the UK on commercial flights and travel to the service by coaches.
Foreign Office documents obtained by Politico, outlines the mandated processes heads of state must take in travel between airports and venues by helicopter “due to the number of flights operating at this time”.
Hundreds of current and former heads of state and government will join scores of other dignitaries descending upon Britain next week for the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, who died Thursday after 70 years on the throne.
The multiple heads and former head of state will be required to leave their own cars at the site “because of tight security and road restrictions”. Japan’s Emperor Naruhito, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and French President Emmanuel Macron are expected to be at the service, while Spain is likely to be represented by King Felipe VI.
The Foreign Office has warned “where possible” leaders should arrive in the country on commercial flights.
Spain is likely to be represented by King Felipe VI, who has blood ties to the British royal family dating back to the 19th century. Members of other European royal families including from Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden will also travel.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern are also due to attend.
Foreign leaders will also be able to deliver a tribute to the Queen lasting up to three minutes, which will be recorded for the media.
They will be required to leave their own cars at the site “because of tight security and road restrictions”.
The Foreign Office has warned “where possible” leaders should arrive in the country on commercial flights.
Sir Mark Rowley takes the oath at New Scotland Yard in central London, where he starts his first day as Metropolitan Police Commissioner.
Those traveling by private jet should head for “less busy airports” around London, the document adds.
Meanwhile, passengers using UK airports have been warned “unforeseen events may require commercial and private flights to divert from the intended airport of arrival”.
Westminster Abbey will be so packed for the event it will only be possible for a single, senior representative from each country and their partner to attend, according to the documents.
World leaders who are unable to attend may choose someone else as their official representative, such as a head of government or senior minister.
Foreign leaders will also be able to deliver a tribute to the Queen lasting up to three minutes, which will be recorded for the media.
Following the service, they will be escorted to Dean’s Yard, still within the grounds of Westminster Abbey, to attend a reception hosted by Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern are also due to attend.
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