Despite Showing ‘Sincere Sympathy’, Putin Not Invited to Queen’s Funeral

A Whitehall source has told reporters that Britain did not invite Vladmir Putin to Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral slated for September 19.

This was confirmed by James Landale, BBC’s diplomatic correspondent, on Wednesday.

Britain had already sent invitations to about 500 heads of state and foreign dignitaries by Sunday.

According to the British government source, no representative from Russia, Myanmar and Belarus is welcome at the late monarch’s state funeral.

Putin had sent a condolence message showing “sincere sympathy” for Elizabeth II on September 8.

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“Her Majesty’s name is inextricably linked with key events in the contemporary history of the United Kingdom,” he wrote to Charles III.

“For many decades, Elizabeth II rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of her subjects, as well as high regard on the world stage. I wish you courage and fortitude in the face of this difficult, irreparable loss. Please convey my sincere sympathy and support to the members of the royal family and all the people of the United Kingdom.”

Whitehall and the Kremlin have been at loggerheads since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. Britain has also sidelined Aleksandr Lukashenko, the President of Belarus, who has been a close ally of Putin, while Myanmar’s genocide history and its military junta deposing a democratic government have come between the country and the UK throne.

Also, Landale said that no one from Syria, Venezuela or Afghanistan was invited because the UK does not have full diplomatic relations with them.

Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral ceremony will be held at Westminster Abbey.

FIJ