The presidential vehicle known as the Beast will be pressed into service again for the Queen’s funeral next weekPresident Biden will have dispensation to take his armoured Beast to Westminster Abbey for the Queen’s funeral next week, while lesser world leaders will have to make do with a shared bus. A unprecedented logistical and diplomatic operation is under way to prepare for the largest gathering of foreign dignitaries on British soil since the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill in 1965. SponsoredMore than 100 kings, queens and heads of state are expected to attend Monday’s ceremony. However, the influx of dignitaries is proving a logistical and diplomatic headache for the government as officials try to balance the needs of foreign VIPs with the smooth running of the event. The Bidens met the Queen at Windsor Castle during their visit to the UK last year STEVE PARSONS/GETTY IMAGESUnder plans for the funeral, a representative of every country with which Britain has diplomatic relations

Source: The Times September 13, 2022 07:45 UTC