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Ariana Baio
Sep 20, 2022
Queen Elizabeth II's funeral: Leaders and monarchs gather at Westminster Abbey
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World leaders from across the globe gathered together on Monday to say goodbye to Britain's longest-reigning monarch and people could not help but notice the different ways they arrived at Westminster Abbey.
In a motorcade and private car known as The Beast, US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden arrived in their typical fashion.
But arriving in several coach and minibuses were other world leaders, including those from African countries.
"President William Ruto and other African leaders inside a bus vs. America's Joe Biden motorcade as they head to the Buckingham Palace in honor of Queen Elizabeth II," media outlet Kenyans wrote on Twitter.
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In the photo, President of Kenya William Ruto and other leaders sit together on one of the busses as they make their way to Westminster Abbey.
Later, the world leaders were photographed arriving at the Abbey and it seems nearly every one was forced to take the bus unlike the US President and First Lady.
\u201cPresident William Ruto and other African leaders inside a bus vs America's Joe Biden motorcade as they head to the Buckingham Palace in honor of Queen Elizabeth II\u201d— Kenyans.co.ke (@Kenyans.co.ke) 1663577795
People online were startled by the juxtaposition of the dignitaries taking regular coach busses to the funeral.
Some criticized the UK government for forcing world leaders to arrive via bus especially after granting President Biden special access to his private car and motorcade.
\u201cNot world leaders getting transported in coaches like they\u2019re doing NCS for the summer loooool\u201d— Amina (@Amina) 1663574480
\u201cThere\u2019s something darkly amusing about a King whose fancy golden hat has its own chauffeur-driven car asking all the world leaders to take a bus to the funeral.\u201d— My Royalty Account (@My Royalty Account) 1663192905
\u201cUS president Joe Biden was allowed in the Buckingham palace with his convoy while other leader mostly Africans were packed in fleet of coaches. The slavery is still on.\u201d— NUAMAHONLINE.COM (@NUAMAHONLINE.COM) 1663580070
According to POLITICO, Westminster Abbey informed world leaders were told they would not be permitted to use their own state cars to attend the funeral “because of tight security and road restrictions”.
They were also asked to arrive via commercial flights "where possible".
The US President and First Lady also arrived in London via Air Force One.
\u201c@nuamahonline Wrong. Do you know how long it would have taken to have 500+ heads of state turn up in their own cars to attend a couple of hours event, then have the same cars return? This is basic stuff and regular protocol. Not that deep.\u201d— NUAMAHONLINE.COM (@NUAMAHONLINE.COM) 1663580070
Prime Minister Liz Truss also arrived to Westminster Abbey by private car.
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