President Murmu to be at Queen’s funeral

President Droupadi Murmu will represent India at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London on September 19, the external affairs ministry announced on Wednesday.

This will be Murmu’s first overseas visit after assuming office on July 25. During the three-day visit beginning September 17, the funeral service at Westminster Abbey appears to be her only official engagement at the moment given that the UK is in mourning.

Several heads of state/government have already confirmed their presence for the funeral service, including US President Joe Biden and the Prime Ministers of Australia, Canada and New Zealand.