Queen Elizabeth’s coffin placed in Palace of Westminster to lie in state – latest updates

Queen’s coffin carried on gun carriage from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall

King Charles III led a procession behind the Queen’s coffin [/b]as it began its journey from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, where it will lie in state.

He was accompanied by Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward and other members of the royal family including Prince William and Prince Harry. The coffin was pulled on a gun carriage of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, draped in the royal standard.

[b]The Foreign Office has continued to prune its invitation list for the Queen’s funeral on Monday revealing neither Syria, nor Venezuela will be asked to the ceremony. As a sign of disapproval the de facto authority in Afghanistan, the Taliban have also been left off the invitation list.

North Korea and Nicaragua - with which the UK has ice cold diplomatic relations - are being asked at ambassadorial level, a signal of disapproval that has already been sent to Iran. Tehran has been told it has been invited at ambassadorial level.

The foreign office has also let it be known to heads of state that if they are unable to attend in person they can delegate the invitation. All holders of the George Cross and Victoria Cross are also being invited to attend.

In the 14 realms, those states that have the Queen as head of state, invitations have been sent to the prime minister, and partner, the Governor General and High Commissioner( the equivalent of an ambassador). Each realm has also been granted permission to choose 10 other dignitaries of their choice to attend.

The closing date for RSVPs is tomorrow, and the precise guest list is likely to be revealed tomorrow.

Officials are still working on a seating plan that will reflect seniority and status. Arrangements are also being made for VIPs to visit the Queen’s coffin to pay their personal respects over the weekend.

A dress rehearsal of the arrivals by car is due to be held on Thursday evening.

Foreign Office staff will also organise a condolences book for VIPs to sign at Lancaster House. The foreign secretary James Cleverly will host a reception for guests at nearby Church House immediately after the service.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2022/sep/14/king-charles-iii-prince-william-harry-accompany-queen-elizabeth-ii-coffin-casket-westminster-hall-lie-lying-in-state-live-updates-latest-news