Not invited to Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral? Russia does not appreciate. And denounced the UK’s “blasphemous” and “immoral” attitude towards him amid diplomatic tensions between the two countries over the war in Ukraine.
“We consider this British attempt to use the national tragedy, which has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world, for geopolitical purposes to settle accounts with our country (…) as deeply immoral,” lamented the spokeswoman for the Russian diplomacy Maria Zakharova. And to add: “This is particularly blasphemous about the memory of Elizabeth II.”
“For many decades, Elizabeth II rightly enjoyed the love and respect of her subjects and an authority on the world stage,” Vladimir Putin said in response to Queen Elizabeth’s death on September 8. The Kremlin then indicated that Russia had no intention of going to the monarch’s funeral. “The option (of ousting Vladimir Putin) is not being considered,” a spokesman said.
Burma and North Korea were also not invited
Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral will take place on Monday September 19 at Westminster Abbey in central London. Many foreign leaders are expected – including Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron. Several royalty have also confirmed their attendance, including Prince Albert of Monaco and his wife Charlene. Apart from Russia, Burma and North Korea were not invited.
After a 4pm service with 800 guests, a private closing ceremony will be held in the presence only of close members of the Royal Family, after which the Queen will be buried at 7.30pm. The Queen’s coffin will rest in the annex to King George VI’s Chapel, where the Queen’s father and mother are found, as well as the ashes of her sister, Princess Margaret.