Date Set for Margaret Thatcher’s Funeral; Queen to Attend
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Dan Kitwood/Getty Images(LONDON) — Margaret Thatcher’s funeral will be held in London next week, British Prime Minister David Cameron’s office announced on Tuesday.
“Lady Thatcher’s funeral service will take place on Wednesday, 17 April 2013 at St Paul’s Cathedral,” Cameron’s office (@Number10gov) tweeted.
Thatcher, the first woman ever to serve as prime minister of Great Britain and the longest-serving British prime minister of the 20th century, died Monday morning following a stroke. She was 87.
In a statement Monday, Cameron’s office said Thatcher will “receive a Ceremonial funeral with military honours.” The service will be televised and the public will be allowed to watch the coffin being transferred from the Palace of Westminster to St Paul’s Cathedral.
“The guest list for St Paul’s will include family and friends of Lady Thatcher, those who worked with her over the years, including members of her Cabinets when she was Prime Minister, and representatives from a range of groups she was associated with. The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister will attend and the Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet will be invited,” Cameron’s office said.
Another noteworthy guest will be the queen. Buckingham Palace announced on Tuesday that Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, will attend Thatcher’s funeral service.
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