London: Thousands of police, hundreds of British troops and an army of officials made final preparations Sunday for the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II - a spectacular display of national mourning that will also be the biggest gathering of world leaders for years.
US President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden were among thousands of mourners from locals and tourists to world leaders to pay their respects at Westminster Hall, where the queen is lying in state. The president put his hand to his heart as he stood quietly near the casket in the ornate 900-year-old hall. Biden called the queen "decent" and "honorable" and "all about service" as he signed the condolence book, saying his heart went out to the royal family.
"Queen Elizabeth lived her life for the people," Jill Biden wrote in a book for spouses and ambassadors. "She served with wisdom and grace. We'll never forget her warmth, kindness and the conversations we shared." Biden is one of 500 world leaders and royals invited to the funeral, along with hundreds of British charity workers. As the dignitaries poured in, the clock was ticking down for those seeking a place in the longest queue many have ever seen to file past the queen's coffin as it lies in state at Westminster Hall.
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