by Paola de Carolis
London, no visit to Elizabeth’s coffin for the Beijing delegation. No invitation to Putin. Instead, the Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska is expected
The delicate balance of protocol, politics and affection colors the wait for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral: as the line snakes along the River Thames to pay homage to the coffin – which was temporarily closed for a few hours yesterday to accommodate the crowd – into the Corridors of Westminster and Buckingham Palace are examined sensitive issues. What to do with uncomfortable dignitaries? How can we not create diplomatic incidents?
After a day off, King Charles returned to work. In Wales he finished the tour of the nations of the United Kingdom and found much affection but also some strife, confirming that if the country had affection and admiration for the Queen and her death caused a surge of collective emotion, the Windsors will do it need to apply single-mindedly to achieve similar popularity. Carlo, who is already 73, doesn’t seem ready to take it easy. In Cardiff he showed the Welsh he had learned in his youth, a masterpiece. It passes the old title on to his son William, whose love for this spot has only grown over the years he has lived here.
On Sunday evening he will receive several heads of state and kings for the funeral at Buckingham Palace in London. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden was the first to arrive. A total of 500 foreign dignitaries are expected, the largest international event in decades, a Whitehall spokesman said. Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska is expected, while Vladimir Putin or representatives of Syria, Venezuela, Afghanistan, Belarus or Myanmar have not been invited. Chinese President Xi Jinping is on the list amid protests from lawmakers but appears ready to turn down the invitation. However, Vice President Wang Qishan arrived from Beijing, whose delegation was denied access to Westminster, prompting the ambassador to protest. There will be President Joe Biden who can use the armored car specially arrived from the United States, while many politicians, kings and foreign presidents have been asked to arrive at Westminster Abbey by bus.
Family management also presents some difficulties. Prince Andrew, who has been stripped of any public role due to the sexual harassment scandal, has been fully integrated into the celebrations of his mother’s death. Last night he attended the vigil for Elizabeth along with the brothers in military uniform. Tomorrow it will be the Queen’s grandchildren. Even Harry, who lost his rank after leaving the Windsors, was granted the uniform, a reversal by the royals it seems at public urging. The relationship between Carlo’s two sons remains the center of attention. The country hopes for a reconciliation. There are positive signs: Harry, for example, has postponed the publication of his autobiography, while Meghan is releasing the podcast and the cover of several magazines in the US. La Fila – now real name The Queue – continues to surprise. Yesterday, David Beckham waited 12 hours to say goodbye to the sovereign.
September 17, 2022 (Change September 17, 2022 | 11:00)
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