Kremlin comments on Queen’s funeral and legacy
Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be among the dignitaries attending the funeral of Britain’s late Queen Elizabeth II, the Kremlin said. She passed away at the age of 96 on Thursday afternoon.
Asked by journalists on Friday whether Putin would visit Britain to pay his last respects, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said this is “not being considered.”
Nevertheless, he stated that the British monarch was “held in high regard in Russia, just like in the whole world, for her wisdom and international authority.” Peskov added that qualities such as these are “in short supply in the international arena” these days.
The spokesperson declined to say if anyone will represent Russia at the funeral.
“It hasn’t been announced so far what the protocol practice will be like,” Peskov said, adding that Moscow will wait for a decision from the British royal family and the country’s government.
On Thursday, Putin sent his condolences to the Queen’s eldest son, the 73-year-old former Prince of Wales, who succeeded Elizabeth to become King Charles III following her death.
“I ask you to convey words of sincere sympathy and support to the members of the royal family and all the people of Great Britain,” Putin said.
Queen Elizabeth died at her Scottish residence, Balmoral Castle, at the age of 96 on Thursday after being placed under medical supervision by her doctors hours earlier.
With her reign of 70 years, Elizabeth is the longest-serving British monarch in history.
