Russia, Belarus and Myanmar will not be invited to the Queen’s state funeral, while Iran will only be represented by an ambassador, according to reports.
Around 500 dignitaries and world leaders are expected to come to London to pay their respects, including US President Joe Biden.
They will join members of the royal family and Liz Truss, as well as past prime ministers, for the historic service at Westminster Abbey at 11 am on Monday.
Speaking to the PA news agency, one Whitehall source said: “This is the biggest international event we have hosted in decades.”
The source said the logistics of the event, including transport and security, was like organising hundreds of state visits within days.
Invitations were sent over the weekend to heads of state of countries where the UK has diplomatic relations. For most countries, the head of state is allowed to bring a guest.
However, Vladimir Putin, his ally Aleksandr Lukashenko of Belarus, and leaders in Myanmar have not been invited, the source said.
The leaders of most Commonwealth countries are expected to attend, with New Zealand's prime minister Jacinda Ardern saying she would make a nearly 24-hour journey to attend.
Her Canadian and Australian counterparts, Justin Trudeau and Anthony Albanese, have also confirmed they will attend.
Mr Albanese said he would not be travelling alone and that the Palace had invited him to bring along “10 Australians who have made extraordinary contributions to their communities".
France's Emmanuel Macron, Germany's Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Italy's Sergio Mattarella, Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro are among the presidents attending, along with the European Commission's Ursula von der Leyen.
King Felipe of Spain and his wife, Queen Letizia, are among the European royals who will attend.
However, it is not thought the trip will be made by Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky, who took time out from organising his country's fightback against Russian forces to sign a book of condolence for the Queen.
Downing Street on Monday refused to comment on reports that world leaders visiting London for the Queen's state funeral have been asked to travel on commercial flights and will be bussed to Westminster Abbey.
Latest Stories
-
19 steps for getting over even the most devastating breakup fast
3 hours -
8th Ghana CEO Summit launched with focus on AI transformation, economic diversification
3 hours -
Prof Opoku-Agyemang has not been given a fair appraisal – Ablakwa
4 hours -
Rainstorm wreaks havoc in Keta and Anloga districts, residents count their losses
4 hours -
Global Plastics Treaty negotiations begin in Ottawa as countries converge on phasing out problematic plastic uses
4 hours -
Support energy alternatives adoption to sustain businesses – GUTA tells government
4 hours -
11th DRIF opens in Accra with a call on governments to focus on digital inclusion
4 hours -
Stakeholders outline plans at RE4C Coalition’s General Assembly in Accra
4 hours -
Women Need ‘shock observers’ for active political participation – Ex-Bauchi Assembly Member
4 hours -
2024 polls: Stop fighting over positions in Mahama’s next government – Asiedu Nketiah
4 hours -
Although people may not always listen to the lyrics, there’s still a market for rap in Ghana – E.L.
4 hours -
Passengers appeal to transport operators to officially announce new fares
5 hours -
Damongo: About 400 NPP Members resign over Minister’s alleged meddling in chieftaincy affairs
5 hours -
Next NDC government will pay special attention to women – Naana Opoku-Agyemang
5 hours -
Amerado is singing and it’s good he’s doing that – Lyrical Joe
5 hours