The Queen has been in a lie in state at Westminster Abbey as mourners from all across the world have come to pay their last respect. The state funeral is slated to take place at Westminster Abbey on Monday 19 September, after which the Queen would be laid to rest in a private ceremony at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.
She will then be transported from London to Windsor Castle in the State Hearse for a Committal Service starting at 4 pm at St George’s Chapel. The funeral would be televised.
Over 2000 guests, including 500 dignitaries are expected to be in attendance, and of these dignitaries are several notable African leaders.
Some of the African heads of state expected to be in attendance include;
South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa.
Ghana’s Nana Akufo-Addo.
Newly elected Kenyan President; William Ruto.
Gabon’s Ali Bongo Ondimba
Comoros’s Azali Assoumani
Major African monarchs that will be attending include;
The ruler of Ashanti, Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II
King of Lesotho, Letsie III
Some African leaders may be absent from the event, including;
DRC’s Félix Tshisekedi
Ivory Coast’s Alassane Ouattara
Benin Republic’s Patrice Talon
Djibouti’s Ismaïl Omar Guelleh
CAR’s Faustin-Archange Touadéra
Most of these leaders will go directly to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, which opens on 20 September.
The Ivorian delegation will be led by Abdourahmane Cissé, the secretary general of the presidency; Paul Biya and Umaro Sissoco Embaló will be represented by their respective prime ministers, Joseph Dion Ngute and Nuno Gomes Nabiam; Félix Tshisekedi by the president of the National Assembly, Christophe Mboso; Muhammadu Buhari by his vice-president, Yemi Osinbajo; and George Weah by his ambassador to the UK, Gurly Gibson Schwarz. King Mohammed VI, as is traditional, will send his brother, Prince Moulay Rachid, or his son, Moulay El Hassan. Moroccan kings never attend funerals.
