Topline
President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden paid their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II Sunday as the queen’s coffin lies in state in London, the latest in a string of the world’s most powerful leaders to mourn the late British monarch.
U.S. President Joe Biden gestures next to first lady Jill Biden and U.S. Ambassador to the U.K. Jane … [+]
Key Facts
Biden made the sign of the cross as he approached the coffin lying in state in Westminster Hall and stood silently with his hand over his heart, alongside the first lady and Jane Hartley, the U.S. ambassador to the U.K.
After visiting the coffin, Biden signed the official book of condolences and told reporters the queen was “decent, honorable, and all about service,” and even in private reflected the image she’d portrayed in her 70 years on the throne.
The president joined thousands of mourners who have streamed past the coffin in recent days, including international heads of state and officials like French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Irish President Michael D. Higgins and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
Olena Zelenska, the wife of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, also visited the coffin on behalf of Ukraine after meeting with Prince William’s wife Kate Middleton at Buckingham Palace.
Even more foreign dignitaries were photographed arriving at Buckingham Palace Sunday evening for a diplomatic reception hosted by the new monarch King Charles III, including Japanese Emperor Naruhito, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
US President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden (left) with members of the public as the queen’s … [+]
Biden signs a book of condolence at Lancaster House in London.
Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Trudeau arrive at Lancaster House.
French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron stood silently as they paid their … [+]
Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK, Vadym Prystaiko (left) and the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska … [+]
President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina pass the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II.
President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil and his wife Michelle Bolsonaro arrive to pay their respects to … [+]
Key Background
Thousands of people waited for hours in a miles-long line over the weekend for a chance to view the queen’s coffin lying in state at Westminster Hall, the oldest part of the building where the Houses of Parliament meet. While high-profile officials and other figures have been permitted to skip the line, some celebrities like English soccer star David Beckham waited hours to pay respects. The queen’s state funeral at Westminster Abbey, which will begin at 11 a.m. in London, is expected to be attended by some 2,000 people.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/carlieporterfield/2022/09/18/in-photos-biden-and-other-world-leaders-pay-respects-to-queen-elizabeth/