Trade magazine Politico was able to view documents about the funeral arrangement and found that only the heads of state and their partners were invited to the funeral. Westminster Abbey will be overcrowded for the funeral and places are limited. Heads of state who cannot attend themselves may send a replacement such as the head of government or a minister.
World leaders are also not allowed to drive their own car to the funeral on September 19. They are reported to be taken to the site by bus. “Do you see Joe Biden sitting on a bus yet?” lamented the US ambassador to London. After the funeral, world leaders will be taken by bus to West London, after which they can take their car to continue their journey.
If possible, heads of state should also fly commercial flights. London Heathrow will not be open to private flights on the day of the funeral. If you, as head of state, still want to come by private plane, you should try to request a landing at less busy airports. Helicopter flights to the center are also banned due to heavy air traffic.
It is not certain whether King Philippe will attend the funeral: the presence of our monarch has not yet been confirmed by the Belgian or British royal family.
