A poet, a doctor, a judge, some with recognizable last names. Who are the “plus one” of the guests at the funeral of Elizabeth II

The list of guests at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, this Monday, has around 500 names of representatives from countries around the world. But the formal invitation also contemplated the possibility that each of these dignitaries be accompanied by another person.

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Hugh O’Leary, Jenni Haukio and Jenni Haukio will be less familiar names from the start. But seeing the extensive list of guests, Tatler magazine has found a set of personalities who are expected to accompany the monarchs, presidents of the Republic and political leaders who will be in London early next week.

In the vast majority of cases, they have fewer public profiles (at least internationally) than their peers. This is the case of Elke Büdenbender. The wife of the German president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, is a judge and has been a member of the Berlin Administrative Court since 2000 (she is currently on long-term leave).

Heiko von der Leyen is another expected presence in London for Elizabeth II’s funeral ceremonies: the funeral is scheduled for Monday but, from Sunday, the guests should start arriving in the English capital, as there are events organized by the British Royal House to be in. Heiko is one of those cases where the nickname could reveal the reason for her presence. He is the husband of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission (and former German Defense Minister), elected in November 2019. American Orgenesis.

Elizabeth II’s funeral: who was invited, who will and who will be absent

Also on the political level, Amélie Derbaudrenghien Michel should accompany her husband, Charles Michel, President of the European Council. She is advisor to the Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade. And Clarke Gayford will have to cross half the world to travel from New Zealand to England, in the company of his wife, Jacinda Ardern, the country’s prime minister. In New Zealand, Gayford is the presenter of radio and television programs. Another less familiar name with a long trip to London ahead of her: Jodie Haydon, wife of newly elected Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Haydon works in the financial sector.

From the world of letters comes Jenni Haukio. Author of some poems, Haukio is expected to accompany her husband, Sauli Niinisto, president of Finland.

Helicopters, dogs, divers. Security on the day of Elizabeth II’s funeral will be on land, water and sky

Then there are more recurrent names in the international public space. Michele Bolsonaro, for example, may be in London with her husband and president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro. Jill Biden is expected to travel from the United States to England along with President Joe Biden. Brigitte Macron travels to the neighboring country together with French President Emmanuel Macron. And Sophie Grégoire Trudeau (former TV presenter) and Justin Trudeau will represent Canada.

At the national level, and escaping from the rule, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, João Gomes Cravinho.

And, of course, there will still be many names from the European monarchy present at the funerals of Elizabeth II – although in this case the classification of “plus one” (or companion) does not apply in the same way. Princess Charlene is traveling with Prince Albert of Monaco. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima travel from the Netherlands. King Harald V and Queen Sonja leave Norway. And King Felipe and Queen Letizia will be the representatives of the Spanish Royal House in London.