According to a government source, Russia and Belarus have not been invited to Queen Elizabeth’s state burial next Monday, which will be attended by more than 100 monarchs, queens, heads of state, and other VIPs. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, neither country will be represented at the ceremony in London, joining a select list of states that have been excluded.
Military-run Myanmar, a former British colony, and long-time pariah North Korea have also been passed over, according to the source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey next week is expected to be a massive international event, posing significant security and protocol issues for organizers at Buckingham Palace and the British government.
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Following Queen Elizabeth’s death last Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a heartfelt condolence message, stating she “rightfully enjoyed her subjects’ love and respect, as well as influence on the world stage.”
But he promptly declined to attend the burial.
Both Russia and Belarus have embassies in London, though diplomatic ties have been tested by the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine, which was conducted with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko’s assistance.
Travel bans have also been imposed on the leaders of the countries as part of UK sanctions imposed since the invasion.
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Other problematic invitees include right-wing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, and it is unclear whether Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed is on the guest list, four years after he was implicated to the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.
Former Spanish King Juan Carlos I, who left the throne in disgrace in 2014 and now lives in exile in the United Arab Emirates, has stated he will attend with his son, current Spanish King Felipe VI.