President Droupadi Murmu To Attend Queen's Funeral In London

President Droupadi Murmu will attend the late Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral, which is set to take place at Westminster Abbey on September 19, Monday. The Ministry of External Affairs announced the news on Wednesday.

The late Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch in England, passed away at her Balmoral Castle on September 8 at the age of 96. Many world leaders are expected to arrive in London ahead of the state funeral.

President Droupadi Murmu To Attend Queen's Funeral

India's President, who will visit London from September 17 to 19, will offer condolences on behalf of the Indian government. The President, Vice President, and the Prime Minister of India had all expressed their condolences after the Queen's passing, calling her a stalwart of our times, who was compassionate and inspired many people with her great leadership. The government of India had also declared one-day mourning on September 11, Sunday, as a mark of respect for the late Queen.

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Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar recently visited the British High Commission in New Delhi to offer condolences on the country's behalf. He made a statement saying, "In the 70 years of the reign of 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."

Up to one million people are expected to travel to London on Monday to see the Queen lying in state. Currently, thousands of people are waiting in long queues everyday to pay their last respects to the late Queen.

Queen's coffin is being taken to Westminster hall today on a gun carriage as part of the military procession. Prince William and Harry will walk behind the carriage alongside their father King Charles III. The King will also be joined by his three siblings at the procession walk. Their respective spouses will be joining the procession in their cars.

According to reports, the movie chain theatre Vue Cinema will telecast the Queen's state funeral for free. Meanwhile, all other screenings across the country will be suspended that day. United Kingdom is expected to shut down completely as a mark of respect for its late monarch.