Queen to miss friend Nelson Mandela’s funeral
10 Dec 2013 5:11 AM IST
Buckingham Palace said Prince Charles will represent the British monarchy at the memorial events in South Africa commemorating the Nobel Peace Prize-winner’s life.
Prime Minister David Cameron said on Twitter on Sunday he will also fly out for the service.
The Queen, meanwhile, is expected to pay tribute to the revered statesman at a service at Westminster Abbey, after reluctantly making the decision not to fly to South Africa.
A national service of thanksgiving for the life of Mr Mandela will be held after the state funeral on Sunday - the first ceremony of its kind at the Abbey for a non-British citizen. A book of condolence has also opened at St Margaret’s Church at the Abbey.
Three American presidents will attend memorial services for Mr Mandela this week, alongside an estimated 140 heads of state.
The Queen discussed plans for the ceremony to Mr Mandela as early as June, according to The People.
She is also believed to have telephoned him a number of times since he was taken seriously ill in the summer.
The pair had a strong relationship and Queen Elizabeth first met Mr Mandela in 1991 and received him again in 1996.
During the state visit, the South African president called her ‘this gracious lady’ and she also praised ‘this wonderful man’.
A statement from Buckingham Palace said after his death was announced on Thursday: ‘The Queen was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Nelson Mandela last night.’
‘He worked tirelessly for the good of his country, and his legacy is the peaceful South Africa we see today.’
‘Her Majesty remembers with great warmth her meetings with Mr Mandela and sends her sincere condolences to his family and the people of South Africa at this very sad time.’
The memorial, expected to last ten days, will be an unparalleled event in South Africa’s history.
The White House said President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama would be joined on Air Force One next week by former president George Bush and his wife Laura. A Bush spokesman said the couple ‘gratefully accepted’ the invitation from the Obamas.
Bill Clinton is also travelling to South Africa, along with his wife, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, but it was unclear whether they would also fly on Air Force One. ‘My whole family will be there,’ Mr Clinton said. ‘And we’re looking forward to having the chance to say goodbye one last time.’
President Obama also invited 89-year-old George Bush senior to travel with him to South Africa, but a spokesman for the former president said he would not be able to make the trip. A memorial service for Mr Mandela, 95, will be held on Tuesday at a stadium in Johannesburg.
Prime Minister David Cameron said on Twitter on Sunday he will also fly out for the service.
The Queen, meanwhile, is expected to pay tribute to the revered statesman at a service at Westminster Abbey, after reluctantly making the decision not to fly to South Africa.
A national service of thanksgiving for the life of Mr Mandela will be held after the state funeral on Sunday - the first ceremony of its kind at the Abbey for a non-British citizen. A book of condolence has also opened at St Margaret’s Church at the Abbey.
Three American presidents will attend memorial services for Mr Mandela this week, alongside an estimated 140 heads of state.
The Queen discussed plans for the ceremony to Mr Mandela as early as June, according to The People.
She is also believed to have telephoned him a number of times since he was taken seriously ill in the summer.
The pair had a strong relationship and Queen Elizabeth first met Mr Mandela in 1991 and received him again in 1996.
During the state visit, the South African president called her ‘this gracious lady’ and she also praised ‘this wonderful man’.
A statement from Buckingham Palace said after his death was announced on Thursday: ‘The Queen was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Nelson Mandela last night.’
‘He worked tirelessly for the good of his country, and his legacy is the peaceful South Africa we see today.’
‘Her Majesty remembers with great warmth her meetings with Mr Mandela and sends her sincere condolences to his family and the people of South Africa at this very sad time.’
The memorial, expected to last ten days, will be an unparalleled event in South Africa’s history.
The White House said President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama would be joined on Air Force One next week by former president George Bush and his wife Laura. A Bush spokesman said the couple ‘gratefully accepted’ the invitation from the Obamas.
Bill Clinton is also travelling to South Africa, along with his wife, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, but it was unclear whether they would also fly on Air Force One. ‘My whole family will be there,’ Mr Clinton said. ‘And we’re looking forward to having the chance to say goodbye one last time.’
President Obama also invited 89-year-old George Bush senior to travel with him to South Africa, but a spokesman for the former president said he would not be able to make the trip. A memorial service for Mr Mandela, 95, will be held on Tuesday at a stadium in Johannesburg.
Next Story
