Yoon adds stop in London to attend Queen Elizabeth's funeral

Social Affairs

Published: 12 Sep. 2022, 17:08 Updated: 12 Sep. 2022, 18:27

Yoon adds stop in London to attend Queen Elizabeth's funeral

President Yoon Suk-yeol leaves a condolence message on the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II at the British Embassy in Seoul on Sept. 9. [THE PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE]

President Yoon Suk-yeol will stop in London to attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II en route to the United States and Canada next week.

“President Yoon is planning a five-night, seven-day trip to London, New York, and Canada from Sept. 18,” said National Security Adviser Kim Sung-han in a briefing on Monday.

Yoon was scheduled to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York City in mid-September. The presidential office confirmed Monday that he would stop in London for the Queen's funeral, set for Sept. 19 at Westminster Abbey.

“The decision for the president to attend came after comprehensively considering the historical importance of Korea-British relations, Queen Elizabeth II's achievements, and the deceased's affection for Korea,” Kim said, citing the queen’s visit to Hahoe Village — a traditional folk village — in Andong, North Gyeongsang, in 1999.

At the invitation of President Kim Dae-jung, Queen Elizabeth celebrated her 73rd birthday with villagers who prepared a traditional Korean meal for her.

“As the longest monarch in British history, she not only served as a focal point for Commonwealth countries, but also personally practiced solidarity between liberal states during and after the Cold War,” Kim said.

Leaders from around the world are expected to fly to London.

U.S. President Joe Biden told reporters Friday that he will attend the funeral, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is also considering it, according to local broadcaster TV Asahi.

“President Yoon will seek solidarity with the international community by naturally meeting with key leaders of liberal democracies gathering in London in the wake of the funeral,” added Kim.

Queen Elizabeth died on Sept. 8 at 96 years old after 70 years on the throne. She has been succeeded by her son, King Charles III.

Earlier on Friday afternoon, the Korean president visited the British Embassy in Seoul and offered his condolences over the queen’s death.

“It was an honor to have shared the same era with the Queen, who was the guardian for freedom and peace,” wrote Yoon in his condolence message. “Deepest condolences to the people of Britain and the Royal Family on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”

After attending the funeral, Yoon will travel to New York City to give a speech at the U.N. General Assembly on Sept. 20. On its sidelines, Yoon could hold bilateral summits with the U.S. and Japan, a top office official said.

Yoon will then visit Canada, where he is planning a summit with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]