The online portal “Politico” wrote on Friday that the main guests, such as the kings of Belgium, Spain, Sweden and the Netherlands, but also heads of state and the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, would travel by luxury coach from a secret meeting point west of the British capital headed for Westminster Abbey. The Japanese Emperor and his wife, Empress Masako, whose visit is considered a special honor, are also expected to board a bus. However, there is considerable criticism against the requirement, according to “Politico”.
“Right people in the right place”
According to the BBC, organizers defended the scheme. “It’s not about vehicles. It’s about making sure the right people are in the right place at the right time,” the broadcaster said, quoting a British government official. “Do the math, they just can’t come in separate cars.”
According to the BBC, around 300 government officials, who have been laid off from various ministries and agencies, are busy 24 hours a day preparing the state ceremony on Monday.
Chinese delegation excluded
Heads of State and Government can only bring one other person, larger delegations are reserved for members of the Commonwealth of Nations. This is why former US Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump are not expected to arrive. On Sunday, King Charles III. a reception at Buckingham Palace.
In addition, heads of state and government must be able to see the queen’s closed casket, which will remain in Westminster Hall in the British Parliament until early Monday morning. Parliament Speaker Lindsay Hoyle reportedly excluded the Chinese delegation. The reason for this is Chinese sanctions against several British lawmakers after Britain initially imposed punitive measures against those responsible for the oppression of the Uighur Muslim minority in the Xinjiang region. Hoyle has residency rights on Parliamentary grounds.