World leaders advised not to travel to Queen’s funeral on their private jets
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World leaders were advised by UK officials not to travel to the Queen's funeral in their private jets and vehicles.
Politicians, diplomats and royals from across the globe have descended upon the capital to pay their respects to the late monarch today (19 September).
But according to documents obtained by Politico, VIPs had been asked to use commercial flights to get to Blighty, with an alleged ban in place for private jets or helicopters.
They have also been told not to use their state cars, and instead will be bussed from an unknown location over to Westminster Abbey where the memorial will start today at 11am.
The memo sent by the FDCO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) also discussed the church's limited capacity.
It said: "Because of limited space at the state funeral service and associated events, no other members of the principal guest’s family, staff or entourage may be admitted."
There is, however, on exception - US President Joe Biden.
Last week, Whitehall sources told The Times that Biden will be exempt from the travel arrangements and will instead be allowed to attend in his armoured Cadillac, known as 'The Beast'.
Biden arrived in the UK on Saturday evening, touching down with his wife Jill at Stansted Airport on his Air Force One jet.
The POTUS was seen being transported around the capital in The Beast alongside a his motorcade over the weekend.
The Americans have arrived and they have brought The Beast with them. If you are quick you will spot @JoeBiden in the back seat of Beast number 2. pic.twitter.com/YAwAbcrGCt
— Helen (@hjwakerley) September 18, 2022
Amid the news of the 'park and ride' system, a number of diplomats have hit back at the plans and have requested their own heads of state get the same treatment as Biden for security and safety reasons.
One ambassador who is based in the UK told Politico: "I am trying to have ours exempted from the bus but not having much luck so far."
Another said: "Our president is happy to go by bus if told so, but he’s over 80, so if there’s a way to avoid it, we will try."
A third added: "FCDO told us not to have many expectations, not to be too ambitious, and expect different problems.
"The logistical challenge is huge... They’re trying to convince us to take the buses, saying it’s much easier to manage everything."
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Most leaders have already arrived in the UK, including Israeli President Isaac Herzog, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, French President Emmanuel Macron and India’s President Droupadi Murmu, among others.
Although they have allegedly been encouraged to make use of commercial flights and organised buses, there is no news on whether any of guests have done so.
LADbible has contacted the FDCO for a comment.
Featured Image Credit: Newscom/Alamy Sipa US/Alamy
Topics: Royal Family, UK News, Politics
