President Droupadi Murmu To Visit London To Attend Queen Elizabeth's Funeral

Queen Elizabeth II will be laid to rest at a state funeral at Westminster Abbey on September 19. 

President Droupadi Murmu

The Ministry of External Affairs announced on Wednesday that President Droupadi Murmu would attend the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London and offer condolences on behalf of the Indian government. President Murmu will 
visit London from September 17 to 19.

Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest serving monarch, passed away at 96 on September 8 at Balmoral Castle, her estate in the Scottish Highlands. She reigned for 70 years.

Queen Elizabeth II will be laid to rest at a state funeral at Westminster Abbey on September 19. 

READ | World Leaders Asked To Take Commercial Flights, Bus To Queen Elizabeth II's Funeral: Report

Around 500 foreign dignitaries are expected to attend Britain's first state funeral in nearly six decades.

Foreign leaders attending Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral on September 19 have been issued a slew of strict protocols by UK's Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Foreign leaders have been asked to arrive in Britain on commercial flights and take laid-on buses to reach the service, according to a report in Politico.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had visited the British High Commission in Delhi on September 12 to convey India's condolences. India also observed a day of national mourning on Sunday.

"In the 70 years of reign of HM Queen Elizabeth II, India-UK ties have evolved, flourished and strengthened immensely. She played an important role in the welfare of millions of people around the world as Head of the Commonwealth," the MEA said in a statement.

President Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have expressed condolences at her demise.

Following the announcement of the Queen's death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered her as a "stalwart of our times", saying she "provided inspiring leadership to her nation and people" and "personified dignity and decency in public life".

PM Modi also recalled his "memorable" meetings with Queen Elizabeth in 2015 and 2018, saying he would "never forget her warmth and kindness".