September 21, 2022
SINGAPORE – Several Asian leaders made their way to London this week as the world paid its final respects to Britain’s longest-serving monarch.
The funeral, one of the largest gatherings of royalties and politicians in London in recent years, was held at Westminster Abbey, on Monday, September 19. Among them were Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. India sent President Droupadi Murmu and Singapore was represented by President Halimah Yacob. Malaysia’s king, Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah and Chinese vice-president Wang Qishan were among other world dignitaries who converged in London to say their final farewells.
The Queen’s death on Sept 8 aged 96, after 70 years on the throne, shook many all over the world. She is succeeded by King Charles III, who takes on the throne at the age of 73, the longest wait for the throne in British history. Here’s a look at Asian leaders who made their way to London.
Bhutan mourns the death of Queen Elizabeth II
Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema (centre) in London on Sept 18, 2022.
Brunei’s Sultan attends State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II
Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Prince ‘Abdul Mateen were among the dignitaries at the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, held at Westminster Abbey, London.
President Murmu offers tributes to Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Hall in London
India’s president Droupadi Murmu (left) speaks to King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.
Emperor, Empress arrive in UK for funeral of Queen Elizabeth II
Japan’s Emperor Naruhito (left) and Empress Masako at Stansted Airport, just outside London on Sept 17, 2022. Queen Elizabeth had met three generations of Japanese royals and previously invited Emperor Naruhito and his wife to visit Britain, a trip that was nixed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
PM Shehbaz represents Pakistan at Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in London
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets King Charles in London on Sept 18, during the reception hosted by the latter for visiting dignitaries.
Yoon attends funeral, meets with King in UK
President Yoon Suk-yeol and first lady Kim Keon-hee leave a London hotel on Monday (Sept 19) to attend the state funeral for Queen Elizabeth II. The South Korean leader was unable to visit Westminster Hall in London, where Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin was enshrined due to traffic congestion, much to the criticism of the Korean opposition politicians.
President Halimah Yacob attends Queen Elizabeth’s funeral on Monday
Singapore’s President Halimah Yacob at the state funeral service of Queen Elizabeth II in London on Sept 19, 2022.
King, Queen pay last respects to Queen Elizabeth
Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah walk past the guard-of-honour before boarding the plane for London to attend the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
Chinese president’s special representative attends Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in Britain
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Special Representative and vice-president Wang Qishan at the state funeral for Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Abbey on Sept 19, 2022.