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PM Liz Truss to meet President Joe Biden before Queen Elizabeth's funeral
British Prime Minister Liz Truss is expected to hold one-to-one talks with U.S. President Joe Biden and other world leaders gathered in London before Queen Elizabeth's funeral on Monday, The Times reported on Thursday (Sep 15).
Truss may also meet President Emmanuel Macron of France, as well as other key UK allies such as Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Canada's Justin Trudeau, the report said.
Downing Street and the Foreign Office had been keen to stress that the event would not be used as a diplomatic exercise despite the presence of more than 100 heads of state in the capital to pay their respects, the report added.
The talks will primarily be about paying their respects and will be low-key, the newspaper said, citing a source.
Queen Elizabeth's funeral will take place in London on Sept. 19, and a host of world leaders, royalty and other dignitaries have already said they will attend.
Downing Street did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.
On Sunday (Sep 11), the White House said that US President Joe Biden has formally accepted an invitation to attend the funeral of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II on Sept. 19.
He will be accompanied by first lady Jill Biden, it announced.
Biden to attend Queen's funeral, while the Kremlin announces Putin will not go
"The State Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen will take place at Westminster Abbey on Monday 19th September at 1100hrs BST," Buckingham Palace announced Saturday.
Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, died Thursday at her summer residence Balmoral Castle in Scotland at the age of 96 after 70 years on the throne.
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