The president and first lady Jill Biden sat 14 rows back during the service at Westminster Abbey that drew 2,000 guests – including about 500 of the world’s presidents, kings, princes and prime ministers. Perhaps it was a consideration that the couple were among the few dignitaries allowed to travel in their own presidential limousine, nicknamed ‘The Beast’, for security reasons. Most other leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, were escorted to the funeral by buses due to tight security and road restrictions across London.
Taking their own transport meant the Bidens also arrived later than planned after being caught in a traffic jam, the Guardian reported. President Biden and first lady Jill sat 14 rows back at Queen Elizabeth’s funeral on Monday. Biden sat behind Polish President Andrzej Duda for the service at Westminster Abbey. Getty Images Once they finally arrived outside Westminster, the president and first lady were forced to wait to take their seats so as not to disrupt the painstakingly choreographed funeral. The couple had to wait briefly at the church doors as a procession of George and Victoria Crusaders – those awarded the highest military honor – made their way to the abbey. Biden was seated behind Polish President Andrzej Duda and in front of Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, according to the seating plan released Monday. Once they finally arrived outside Westminster, the president and first lady were forced to wait to take their seats so as not to disrupt the painstakingly choreographed funeral. Getty Images Jill Biden sat next to Swiss President Ignacio Cassis. Higher up were the leaders of Commonwealth countries and those who still regard the UK monarch as their head of state. Follow the New York Post’s coverage of Queen Elizabeth’s funeral: Trudeau, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern have all been given more prominent positions inside the abbey than Biden. The Queen’s service marked the first state funeral in Britain since Winston Churchill was honored in 1965.