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President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden paid their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II on Sunday as the Queen’s coffin is located in the state of London, the latest in a series of the most powerful world leaders mourning the late British monarch.
US President Joe Biden poses alongside First Lady Jill Biden and US Ambassador to the United Kingdom Jane … [+]
key facts
Biden made the sign of the cross as he approached the coffin lying in Westminster Hall and stood silently with his hand over his heart, alongside the First Lady and Jane Hartley, the US ambassador to the United Kingdom.
After visiting the coffin, Biden signed the official condolence book and told reporters that the Queen was “respectful, honorable, and all about service,” and even privately reversed the image she portrayed on the throne in 70 years.
The president joined thousands of mourners who have flocked through the coffin in recent days, including heads of state and international officials such as French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Irish and Brazilian President Michael de Higgins. President Jair Bolsonaro.
Olena Zelenska, wife of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, also visited the casket on behalf of Ukraine after meeting Prince William’s wife Kate Middleton at Buckingham Palace.
More foreign dignitaries were photographed arriving at Buckingham Palace on Sunday evening for a diplomatic reception hosted by the new king, King Charles III, including Japan’s Emperor Naruhito, King Philip VI, 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 audience as the Queen … [+]
Biden signs a condolence book at Lancaster House in London.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Trudeau arrived at Lancaster House.
French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron stood in silence as they paid the price … [+]
Ukrainian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Vadim Prystaiko (left) and First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska … [+]
Irish President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina pass the casket of Queen Elizabeth II.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, have arrived to pay their respects … [+]
main background
Thousands of people waited for hours in queues for miles over the weekend for a chance to see the Queen’s coffin lying in state in Westminster Hall, the oldest part of the building where the two Houses of Parliament meet. While high-ranking officials and other personalities were allowed to skip the line, some celebrities such as England football star David Beckham waited hours to pay their respects. About 2,000 people are expected to attend the Queen’s state funeral at Westminster Abbey, which will begin at 11am in London.
