President Biden has confirmed that he will travel to London to attend the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. This announcement comes as no surprise, as President Biden has consistently expressed his admiration for the late Queen. He joins a growing list of world leaders and dignitaries planning to pay their respects to the Queen, who reigned for 70 years.
While the White House has yet to release specific travel details, a senior administration official has indicated that President Biden will convey his condolences to King Charles III at an appropriate time. Meanwhile, preliminary arrangements are being made for a potential U.S. delegation to accompany the President, but concrete decisions hinge on the receipt of a formal invitation from Buckingham Palace. This meticulous approach underscores the administration’s commitment to observing diplomatic protocol for such a momentous occasion.
President Biden holds the distinction of being the last of 13 sitting U.S. presidents to have met Queen Elizabeth II. Their most recent encounter took place last summer when President Biden drew a parallel between the Queen’s generosity and that of his own mother. Following the news of the Queen’s passing, President Biden ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect until sunset on the day of her internment.
In a display of solidarity and shared grief, Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff visited the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., to offer their condolences. Their visit followed a similar gesture by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, who signed the Queen’s book of condolences, inscribing a heartfelt message that lauded her reign marked by “strength, wisdom, and grace.”
President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden sign the Queen's book of condolences at the British Embassy.
The confirmation of President Biden’s attendance at the Queen’s funeral highlights the enduring strength of the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom. As the world prepares to bid farewell to a beloved monarch, the presence of global leaders serves as a testament to Queen Elizabeth II’s far-reaching impact and enduring legacy.
