Foreign Office documents obtained by Politico, which Sky News understands to be correct, also describe how heads of state have been told they cannot travel between airports and sites by helicopter “due to the number of flights currently operating”. . World leaders, including US President Joe Biden, are preparing to travel to the UK for the historic funeral at Westminster Abbey on Monday 19 September. Queen’s coffin to rest in Edinburgh – latest updates The documents also outline how heads of state and their partners will arrive at Westminster Abbey in escorted coaches from a location in west London on the day of the funeral. They will have to leave their own cars at the site “due to strict security measures and road restrictions”. The Foreign Office has warned that “where possible” leaders should arrive in the country on commercial flights. The department also warned London’s Heathrow Airport would not be available for private flight arrangements or aircraft parking. Those traveling by private jet should head to “less busy airports” around London, the document added. Meanwhile, passengers using UK airports have been warned “unforeseen events may require commercial and private flights to be diverted from the intended airport of arrival”. Image: Crowds watch as the hearse carrying Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin passes through Mercat Cross in Edinburgh Queen Elizabeth’s funeral will be one of the most important international events the UK has hosted in recent times. Westminster Abbey will be so full for the event that only one senior representative from each country and their partner will be able to attend, according to the documents. World leaders who cannot attend can choose someone else to be their official representative, such as a head of government or a senior minister. King Charles III will host a reception for all foreign leaders at Buckingham Palace the night before the funeral. Read more: ‘Thank you for your infectious smile’: Prince Harry’s tribute to ‘grandma’ Official guidance issued for Queen on final state journey Queen: People from all walks of life who waited side by side the story unfold before them Visiting heads of state will be able to attend the laying in of the Queen’s coffin before signing the book of condolence at Lancaster House immediately afterwards. Foreign leaders will also be able to pay a tribute to the Queen of up to three minutes, which will be recorded for the media. After the service, they will be taken to Dean’s Yard, still within the grounds of Westminster Abbey, to attend a reception hosted by Secretary of State James Cleverley. They will then return to west London by coach to collect their cars. Click to subscribe to Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts The White House confirmed that Biden will attend the funeral with his wife Jill. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will also attend. Japan’s Emperor Naruhito, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and French President Emmanuel Macron are expected to be at the service, while Spain is likely to be represented by King Felipe VI.
