Which Countries Were Invited to the British Queen's Funeral, and Which Were Not?

Excluding Russia, Belarus, Myanmar, and 3 Other Countries
Maintaining Apparently Friendly Relations
Kim Jong Un Sent Congratulatory Messages on 70th Anniversary of Accession and Birthday

A large crowd gathered on the streets of London on the 14th (local time) is watching as the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom is moved from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Gun-chan] The United Kingdom has included North Korea among the countries invited to Queen Elizabeth II's funeral, while six countries including Russia were not invited.

On the 13th (local time), the UK BBC reported that Russia, Belarus, and Myanmar were excluded from the invitation list for the funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II, which will be held on the 19th.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who invaded Ukraine; Belarus President Lukashenko, who actively supported the invasion; and the military leader ruling Myanmar through a bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protests and a military coup, were not invited.

Additionally, Syria and Venezuela, with which the UK currently does not maintain diplomatic relations, and Afghanistan, controlled by the Taliban, were reportedly not invited due to political circumstances.

North Korea was included among the invited countries. On the 14th (local time), the UK daily The Telegraph reported that the British government invited North Korea to Queen Elizabeth II's funeral. The invitee level was said to be ambassadorial. North Korea maintains its embassy in the western part of London.

There is speculation that North Korea is likely to respond positively. This is because North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un has maintained an apparently friendly relationship, exchanging congratulatory messages with Queen Elizabeth II.

In June, Kim Jong-un sent a congratulatory message for the 'Platinum Jubilee,' marking the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's accession and birthday. In the message, published on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at the time, he stated, "On the occasion of Your Majesty's official birthday celebration, which is the national day of your country, I send congratulations to you and the people of your country."

Queen Elizabeth II also sent a congratulatory message last year on the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the North Korean regime (September 9), saying, "Just as the people of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea celebrate their national day, I also wish for good things in the future."

North Korea has not yet made any statement regarding Queen Elizabeth II's passing.

Queen Elizabeth II's funeral is scheduled to be held on September 19 at Westminster Abbey in London. Approximately 500 world leaders, royalty, and other dignitaries, including U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, are expected to attend the funeral.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.