US

Biden to pay respects to Queen in Westminster Hall after touching down in UK

President Biden and his wife Jill are expected to pay their respects to the Queen on Sunday after flying into the UK for Her Majesty’s funeral.

The couple, who joined the Queen for tea at Windsor Castle in June 2021, will visit Westminster Hall, where the Queen’s coffin is lying in state.

They will then sign an official book of condolence before attending a reception hosted by King Charles.

Mr Biden, who has said the Queen reminded him of his mother, will be among almost 100 presidents and heads of government attending the state funeral.

The current occupant of the Oval Office will not be joined by any former US presidents, after the White House said the invitation was for the Bidens only.

Read more: Royal recipe for a president – how the Queen anchored a ‘special relationship’ with America that could now be under pressure

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The Queen, the President and the Drop Scone

Mr Biden, 79, and his wife, 71, will fly back to Washington on Monday following Her Majesty’s state funeral at Westminster Abbey.

The Queen met 13 of the last 14 American presidents, beginning with Harry Truman in 1951 when she was still a princess.

The exception was Lyndon Johnson, who was president from 1963 to 1969.

President Biden and First Lady Dr Jill Biden met the Queen at Windsor following last year’s G7 summit in Cornwall.

They were welcomed by a Guard of Honour before having tea with Her Majesty.

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