Leading political figures from around the world have arrived in the UK ahead of Liz Truss - and a series of "chats" with new Prime Minister Liz Truss are set to take place on the fringes of what doubles as a diplomatic occasion.
Those to have thus far landed in the UK include Justin Trudeau, Joe Biden and Jacinda Ardern. However, President Biden - who arrived at Stansted late on Saturday night - had to cancel a planned catch up with the PM. Instead the pair will hold a formal bilateral meeting in New York at the United Nations General Assembly later in the week.
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau was among five world leaders to hold audiences with King Charles on Saturday afternoon, and Mr Trudeau also signed a condolences book at Lancaster House in London. Others to speak with the new King were Australia leader Anthony Albanese, The Bahamas’ PM Philip Davis, Jamaican PM Andrew Holness, and Jacinda Ardern from New Zealand.
It's understood that Ms Ardern and Mr Albanese also met with Liz Truss on Saturday. The Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin is also in the UK and will meet the PM on Sunday - as will Mr Trudeau and Polish president Andrzej Duda.
On the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg show, Ms Ardern ssaid the transition from Queen to King will not be "jarring" for New Zealand and that King Charles is “well known” there. She said: "He shares many passions and interests that New Zealanders do. And I think that means that that relationship already exists. It’s a transition, but it’s not a jarring transition for New Zealand."
Air Force One touched down at Stansted Airport just before 10pm with President Biden and his wife Dr Jill Biden on board. They were greeted by a small party as they stepped off the plane, including Jane Hartley, US ambassador to the UK, and Jennifer Tolhurst, the Lord Lieutenant of Essex.
The Queen’s funeral will be the "largest international event" the UK has held in decades, possibly ever, with around 500 dignitaries from around the world expected to attend. In addition to those mentioned, big name attendees include French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro, though it is not known if they are yet in the UK.
READ NEXT:
- Northumberland solider who worked for Queen Elizabeth II reflects on the time he spent with Her Majesty
- Horrifying' North East suicide rate is twice as bad as London's - amid further calls for Levelling Up of mental health
- Top Newcastle haemophilia doctor 'was lying' in complaint about 1983 infected blood reporting says journalist
- Whitley Bay nurse remembers harrowing leukaemia ordeal and backs campaign to catch killer disease earlier
- North East hospitals to carry on 'as many NHS services as possible' over Queen's funeral bank holiday