The Kremlin has confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in the UK.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov broke the news on Friday, stating that although President Putin greatly "respects" the Queen "for her wisdom", his attendance at the funeral is not an option. As reported by Politico, a decision will be made soon as to who will represent Russia at the funeral.
READ MORE - Queen Elizabeth II has died age 96, Royal Family confirms in statement
On Thursday evening, Vladimir Putin was one of the first world leaders to offer his condolences to the Royal Family, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96. In a statement, President Putin said: "For many decades Elizabeth II rightfully enjoyed her subjects’ love and respect as well as authority on the world stage.”
The Russian leader last visited Buckingham Palace in 2003 with his wife, as the Queen hosted the couple at the Royal palace. The funeral for Queen Elizabeth II will take place on Friday, September 19 2022 at Westminster Abbey.
Follow our live blog here for all the latest updates on the plans for Queen Elizabeth II's mourning process.
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