President Biden may be the most powerful man in the world, but he didn’t guarantee him a front-row seat The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London on Monday.
The President and First Lady Jill Biden They were seated in 14 rows during the service at Westminster Abbey which drew 2,000 guests – including about 500 of the world’s presidents, kings, princes and prime ministers.
Perhaps it was taken into account that the couple were among the few prestigious personalities Granting permission to travel In their presidential limousine, named “The Beast” for security reasons.
Most of the other leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, were escorted to the funeral in shuttle buses due to heightened security and road restrictions across London.
Taking their own transportation meant that Biden also apparently arrived later than planned after falling into a traffic stop, The Guardian newspaper reported.
Once they finally arrived outside Westminster, the President and First Lady had to wait to take their seats so as not to interrupt the carefully choreographed funeral.
The couple had to wait briefly at the church doors as a procession of George and Victoria cross bearers – those who had been awarded the highest military honor – headed to the abbey.
Biden sat behind Polish President Andrzej Duda and in front of Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Viala, according to a seating plan released Monday.
Jill Biden was sitting next to Swiss President Ignazio Cassis.
The leaders of the Commonwealth countries were the highest in the ranking, and those who still considered the King of the United Kingdom to be their head of state.
Trudeau, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern have more prominent seats inside the Abbey than Biden.
The Queen’s service was Britain’s first state funeral since honoring Winston Churchill in 1965.
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