Thousands of mourners gathered in front of a church in Moscow as the funeral service for Russia’s most prominent Putin critic, Alexei Navalny, held. Watch in for more details!

Alexei Navalny funeral service held at Borisovskoye cemetery in Moscow

<p>Allies of the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny announced that his funeral ceremony is scheduled to take place at a church in southern Moscow this Friday (March 1).</p>

<p>"Alexei's funeral will be held in a church ... in Maryino on 1 March at 14:00 (1100 GMT). Come in advance," his team said in a social media post, as reported by AFP.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ru">Отпевание Алексея состоится в церкви иконы Божией Матери «Утоли моя печали» в Марьино 1 марта в 14.00. Приходите заранее.<br />
Похороны пройдут на Борисовском кладбище.</p>
— Кира Ярмыш (@Kira_Yarmysh) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kira_Yarmysh/status/1762770130981818440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Navalny passed away in mid-February while in one of Russia's toughest penal institutions. Russian officials have stated that the cause of his death, at the age of 47, remains unknown, and any investigation findings are expected to face scrutiny internationally. Numerous Western leaders have already implicated Russian President Vladimir Putin in Navalny's demise.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-body-handed-over-to-his-mother-spokesperson-693534">Also read |&nbsp;Alexei Navalny's body handed to his mother, more than a week after his death in Russian prison</a></p>

<p>Navalny's spokesperson, Kira Yarmish, stated on Tuesday that his team encountered difficulties in securing a venue for the ceremony. Yarmish explained that some funeral homes cited full bookings, while others declined upon learning the identity of the deceased.</p>

<p>"One place told us that funeral agencies were forbidden from working with us," Yarmish posted on social media.</p>

<p>Navalny's team initially wanted to conduct the funeral on February 29, but faced logistical challenges. Ivan Zhdanov, the director of Alexei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, suggested on X that this was due to Putin's scheduled yearly address to the Federal Assembly on the same day.</p>

<h2><strong>Police crackdown expected at Navalny's funeral</strong></h2>

<p>Following his death&nbsp;at a notorious penal facility in the Arctic Circle on February 16, approximately 400 individuals have been detained across Russia for placing flowers in his memory, as reported by the human rights organization, OVO-Info. With his funeral scheduled for Friday, it is anticipated that extensive police presence will be enforced, potentially resulting in a similar wave of arrests.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;How did Navalny die?</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Allies of the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny announced that his funeral ceremony is scheduled to take place at a church in southern Moscow this Friday (March 1).

Allies of the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny announced that his funeral ceremony is scheduled to take place at a church in southern Moscow this Friday (March 1). "Alexei's funeral will be held in a church ... in Maryino on 1 March at 14:00 (1100 GMT). Come in advance," his team said in a social media post, as reported by AFP. Отпевание Алексея состоится в церкви иконы Божией Матери «Утоли моя печали» в Марьино 1 марта в 14.00. Приходите заранее. Похороны пройдут на Борисовском кладбище. — Кира Ярмыш (@Kira_Yarmysh) February 28, 2024 × Navalny passed away in mid-February while in one of Russia's toughest penal institutions. Russian officials have stated that the cause of his death, at the age of 47, remains unknown, and any investigation findings are expected to face scrutiny internationally. Numerous Western leaders have already implicated Russian President Vladimir Putin in Navalny's demise. Also read | Alexei Navalny's body handed to his mother, more than a week after his death in Russian prison Navalny's spokesperson, Kira Yarmish, stated on Tuesday that his team encountered difficulties in securing a venue for the ceremony. Yarmish explained that some funeral homes cited full bookings, while others declined upon learning the identity of the deceased. "One place told us that funeral agencies were forbidden from working with us," Yarmish posted on social media. Navalny's team initially wanted to conduct the funeral on February 29, but faced logistical challenges. Ivan Zhdanov, the director of Alexei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, suggested on X that this was due to Putin's scheduled yearly address to the Federal Assembly on the same day. Police crackdown expected at Navalny's funeral Following his death at a notorious penal facility in the Arctic Circle on February 16, approximately 400 individuals have been detained across Russia for placing flowers in his memory, as reported by the human rights organization, OVO-Info. With his funeral scheduled for Friday, it is anticipated that extensive police presence will be enforced, potentially resulting in a similar wave of arrests. Also watch | How did Navalny die? (With inputs from agencies)

Alexei Navalny’s funeral to take place on March 1 in Moscow, his team says

The last rights funeral for Kuwait's late Emir Nawaf Al Ahmad Al-Sabah took place today. The gulf country has announced 40 days of mourning and a three-day closure of all official departments. Tributes have been pouring in for the late Emir along with the message of condolences from world leaders for his successor and family.

Kuwait: Sheikh Mesha Al-Sabah named as the new Emir

Hollywood actor Matthew Perry who died on the 28th of October at the age of 54 was laid to rest at a Los Angeles Cemetery. The mourners gathered at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in the Hollywood Hills neighbourhood of Los Angeles less than a mile from the Warner Brothers Studio where friends were shot. The Matthew Perry was laid to rest in a service that was attended by relatives and also the cast maids from the hit television sitcom Friends.

'Friends' stars arrive at Matthew Perry's funeral in Los Angeles

<p>Li Keqiang's body was put to rest in Beijing after the former Chinese Premier passed away on October 27 from a heart attack. But the funeral was apparently muted. Experts are of the opinion that the funeral was restrained because China wished to suppress the emotions from running too high and keep behind curtains people who were dismayed by Xi by openly mourning Li.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking to VOA, research director for China, Hong Kong and Taiwan at Freedom House, Yaqiu Wang, said, "People are showing their frustration and discontent toward Xi by publicly mourning Li’s passing."</p>

<p>"The Chinese government definitely wants to prevent people from expressing such emotion publicly," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-signs-law-revoking-nuclear-test-ban-treaty-ratification-654428">Russian President Putin signs law revoking nuclear test ban treaty ratification</a></p>

<p>Li was a former economist and pro-reform leader who served as the premier for over a decade before stepping down in March this year. There was a complete hush-hush around the funeral ceremonies in China. Chinese flag flew at half mast at Tiananmen Square in Beijing to mourn Li.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-jordan-bahrain-recalls-ambassador-to-israel-cuts-economic-ties-654405">After Jordan, Bahrain recalls ambassador to&nbsp;Israel, cuts economic ties</a></p>

<p>Apart from the flag being flown at half-mast and the cremation done in Beijing, no other information was made available to the public.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-israels-northern-border-heats-up-with-fresh-rocket-fire-654473">Israel-Palestine war: Israel’s northern border heats up with fresh rocket fire</a></strong></p>

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<p>Jeff Wasserstrom, a historian of modern China at the University of California, Irvine, told VOA, "This fits into a pattern of not giving out much information, if we think about how little information has been given out about top officials who have been stripped of their power."&nbsp;</p>

<p>China has a long history of censoring information online. Recently, the country was also seen to hide its stringent zero-Covid policies by cracking down on social media platforms.</p>

<p>An expert reportedly said that Li's funeral is nothing but China's same old tradition of keeping the funerals of top leaders low-profile. "What has been done in the case of Li Keqiang is almost the same as what has been done for former Chinese Premier Li Peng, who passed away in 2019," Dali Yang, a political scientist at the University of Chicago, told VOA by phone.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Li Keqiang's body was put to rest in Beijing after the former Chinese Premier passed away on October 27 from a heart attack. But the funeral was apparently muted.

Li Keqiang's body was put to rest in Beijing after the former Chinese Premier passed away on October 27 from a heart attack. But the funeral was apparently muted. Experts are of the opinion that the funeral was restrained because China wished to suppress the emotions from running too high and keep behind curtains people who were dismayed by Xi by openly mourning Li. While speaking to VOA, research director for China, Hong Kong and Taiwan at Freedom House, Yaqiu Wang, said, "People are showing their frustration and discontent toward Xi by publicly mourning Li’s passing." "The Chinese government definitely wants to prevent people from expressing such emotion publicly," he added. Also Read | Russian President Putin signs law revoking nuclear test ban treaty ratification Li was a former economist and pro-reform leader who served as the premier for over a decade before stepping down in March this year. There was a complete hush-hush around the funeral ceremonies in China. Chinese flag flew at half mast at Tiananmen Square in Beijing to mourn Li. Also Read | After Jordan, Bahrain recalls ambassador to Israel, cuts economic ties Apart from the flag being flown at half-mast and the cremation done in Beijing, no other information was made available to the public. Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Israel’s northern border heats up with fresh rocket fire × Jeff Wasserstrom, a historian of modern China at the University of California, Irvine, told VOA, "This fits into a pattern of not giving out much information, if we think about how little information has been given out about top officials who have been stripped of their power." China has a long history of censoring information online. Recently, the country was also seen to hide its stringent zero-Covid policies by cracking down on social media platforms. An expert reportedly said that Li's funeral is nothing but China's same old tradition of keeping the funerals of top leaders low-profile. "What has been done in the case of Li Keqiang is almost the same as what has been done for former Chinese Premier Li Peng, who passed away in 2019," Dali Yang, a political scientist at the University of Chicago, told VOA by phone. (With inputs from agencies)

Hush-hush funeral for former Chinese premiere Li. Here's why

<p>About 300 of the earthquake victims were buried in a mass funeral ceremony on Monday (Oct 9) in rural western Afghanistan. The earthquake killed more than 2,000 people two days ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I thought I must have been dreaming, all the places were razed," said 30-year-old Ismail from Siah Ab village. He was quoted by AFP.</p>

<p>&nbsp;"No one is left."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nayeb Rafi, a&nbsp;village, was once home to some 2000 families. But now, no building has been left standing there. There are piles of broken mud bricks everywhere.</p>

<p>"There are families who don't have anyone left alive," said 50-year-old Ali Mohammad. "No one is left, not a woman nor a child, no one."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"One family had twenty members buried in the rubble," he said, adding that only two members of the family survived because they happened to be out of the home.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the United Nations, "100 per cent" of homes in 11 villages in the rural Zenda Jan district were destroyed. The district is 30 kilometres northwest of Herat city.</p>

<p>Taliban regime's disaster management ministry spokesman Mullah Janan Sayeq said "people are trying to search and get their family out of debris".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports from the field described "a very bad situation", he told a news conference in the capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The disaster ministry said on Sunday that 2053 people had died.</p>

<p>&nbsp;"We can't give exact numbers for dead and wounded as it is in flux," Sayeq said Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a World Health Organization estimate, more than 11,000 people were affected from 1655 families.</p>

<p>Aid trickled in Monday on trucks packed with food and blankets, and blue tents began to pop up among the ruins.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As winter draws in, providing shelter for residents will be a major challenge for Afghanistan's Taliban government, which seized power in August 2021 and has fractious relations with international aid organisations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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About 300 of the earthquake victims were buried in a mass funeral ceremony on Monday (Oct 9) in rural western Afghanistan. The earthquake killed more than 2,000 people two days ago.

About 300 of the earthquake victims were buried in a mass funeral ceremony on Monday (Oct 9) in rural western Afghanistan. The earthquake killed more than 2,000 people two days ago. "I thought I must have been dreaming, all the places were razed," said 30-year-old Ismail from Siah Ab village. He was quoted by AFP. "No one is left." Nayeb Rafi, a village, was once home to some 2000 families. But now, no building has been left standing there. There are piles of broken mud bricks everywhere. "There are families who don't have anyone left alive," said 50-year-old Ali Mohammad. "No one is left, not a woman nor a child, no one." "One family had twenty members buried in the rubble," he said, adding that only two members of the family survived because they happened to be out of the home. According to the United Nations, "100 per cent" of homes in 11 villages in the rural Zenda Jan district were destroyed. The district is 30 kilometres northwest of Herat city. Taliban regime's disaster management ministry spokesman Mullah Janan Sayeq said "people are trying to search and get their family out of debris". Reports from the field described "a very bad situation", he told a news conference in the capital. The disaster ministry said on Sunday that 2053 people had died. "We can't give exact numbers for dead and wounded as it is in flux," Sayeq said Monday. According to a World Health Organization estimate, more than 11,000 people were affected from 1655 families. Aid trickled in Monday on trucks packed with food and blankets, and blue tents began to pop up among the ruins. As winter draws in, providing shelter for residents will be a major challenge for Afghanistan's Taliban government, which seized power in August 2021 and has fractious relations with international aid organisations. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Afghanistan quake victims buried in a mass funeral near Herat

<p>A truck ploughed through a crowd of mourners on Saturday in the southeastern Turkish province of Kahramanmaras, killing five people and injuring 25 others, officials said.</p>

<p>According to local press reports, the brakes of the truck failed, sending it hurtling down a road overlooking a cemetery where dozens of people had gathered for a burial.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-delegates-reach-compromise-on-language-to-describe-war-in-ukraine-says-report-634076">G20 Summit: Delegates reach compromise on language to describe war in Ukraine, says report</a></p>

<p>"At this stage, there are five dead and 25 injured. Some of the injuries are life-threatening," said provincial governor Mukerrem Unluer, according to Turkish media.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | G20 Summit 2023: Macron to hold working lunch meeting with India's Modi </strong></p>

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<p>Images shown by Turkey's DHA agency showed a truck lying upside down next to a white car that was crushed.</p>

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A truck ploughed through a crowd of mourners on Saturday in the southeastern Turkish province of Kahramanmaras, killing five people and injuring 25 others, officials said.

A truck ploughed through a crowd of mourners on Saturday in the southeastern Turkish province of Kahramanmaras, killing five people and injuring 25 others, officials said. According to local press reports, the brakes of the truck failed, sending it hurtling down a road overlooking a cemetery where dozens of people had gathered for a burial. Also Read | G20 Summit: Delegates reach compromise on language to describe war in Ukraine, says report "At this stage, there are five dead and 25 injured. Some of the injuries are life-threatening," said provincial governor Mukerrem Unluer, according to Turkish media. Watch | G20 Summit 2023: Macron to hold working lunch meeting with India's Modi × Images shown by Turkey's DHA agency showed a truck lying upside down next to a white car that was crushed. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

5 dead, 25 injured as truck ploughs through mourners at funeral in Turkey

How far would you go to be appreciated, it seems sky was the limit for this Belgian man who faked his own death and the reason will leave you shell shocked. David Baton, a 45-year-old TikToker, was often been left out of the family gatherings and in a bizarre reaction to this - he did this!

Belgium: Man fakes own death to prank family members, arrives at his funeral in helicopter | WION

<p>In a bizarre incident, a man faked his own death in Belgium and then dramatically reached his own funeral in a helicopter. The dramatic stunt was pulled by the man to teach his family the importance of staying in touch.</p>

<p>TikTok creator David Baerten, aged 45, informed his wife and children about his plan of faking his death and they helped him in pulling the stunt by going along with him on the social media platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To trick Baerten's followers, one of his daughters wrote on social media, "Rest in peace, Daddy. I will never stop thinking about you. Why is life so unfair? Why you? You were going to be a grandfather, and you still had your whole life ahead of you. I love you! We love you! We will never forget you."</p>

<h2><strong>A 'cruel joke'?</strong></h2>

<p>Many people on the online platform slammed it as a 'cruel joke'.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/fruit-flies-age-rapidly-when-they-see-their-dead-comrades-study-604390">Fruit flies age rapidly when they see their dead comrades: Study</a></p>

<p>Last weekend, the family staged a fake funeral near Liege and mourners gathered as Baerten, who goes by Ragnar le Fou online, made his grand entry at the ceremony in a helicopter and accompanied by a film crew.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The TikToker has 162,000 followers and&nbsp;had to face some serious backlash from some quarters.</p>

<p>Explaining his bizarre stunt to The Times, Baerten said that he did so because he wanted to see how his wider family would react after he stated that they had fallen out of contact with the TikTok creator.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"What I see in my family often hurts me. I never get invited to anything. Nobody sees me. We all grew apart. I felt unappreciated. That's why I wanted to give them a life lesson and show them that you shouldn't wait until someone is dead to meet up with them," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Baerten has till now not shared the complete&nbsp;video of him arriving in a chopper.</p>

<p><strong>Emotional reunion</strong></p>

<p>A TikTok user, who was present at the funeral, shared a video of him landing in a field where his friends and family were gathered. Many people rushed over to Baerten and greeted and hugged him as he got down from the helicopter. Baerten then explained the whole stunt to those in attendance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His close friend Thomas Faut posted a video of the two men hugging as they met and captioned the emotional clip 'you got us'.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Woman knocks on her coffin after being declared dead</strong></p>

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<p>"I swear I was crying and then I had the shock buddy, we love you very much," he said, while speaking about the emotional reunion, despite the deception of his friend.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Baerten said that while "only half of my family came to the funeral," other relatives have reached out to him since then.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"That proves who really cares about me. Those who didn't come did contact me to meet up. So in a way I did win," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some of his followers agreed that he did give a valuable 'life lesson' to his family and asked him to "ignore the haters".&nbsp;</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for&nbsp;wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

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In a bizarre incident, a man faked his own death in Belgium and then dramatically reached his own funeral in a helicopter. The dramatic stunt was pulled by the man to teach his family the importance of staying in touch.

In a bizarre incident, a man faked his own death in Belgium and then dramatically reached his own funeral in a helicopter. The dramatic stunt was pulled by the man to teach his family the importance of staying in touch. TikTok creator David Baerten, aged 45, informed his wife and children about his plan of faking his death and they helped him in pulling the stunt by going along with him on the social media platform. To trick Baerten's followers, one of his daughters wrote on social media, "Rest in peace, Daddy. I will never stop thinking about you. Why is life so unfair? Why you? You were going to be a grandfather, and you still had your whole life ahead of you. I love you! We love you! We will never forget you." A 'cruel joke'? Many people on the online platform slammed it as a 'cruel joke'. ALSO READ | Fruit flies age rapidly when they see their dead comrades: Study Last weekend, the family staged a fake funeral near Liege and mourners gathered as Baerten, who goes by Ragnar le Fou online, made his grand entry at the ceremony in a helicopter and accompanied by a film crew. The TikToker has 162,000 followers and had to face some serious backlash from some quarters. Explaining his bizarre stunt to The Times, Baerten said that he did so because he wanted to see how his wider family would react after he stated that they had fallen out of contact with the TikTok creator. "What I see in my family often hurts me. I never get invited to anything. Nobody sees me. We all grew apart. I felt unappreciated. That's why I wanted to give them a life lesson and show them that you shouldn't wait until someone is dead to meet up with them," he said. Baerten has till now not shared the complete video of him arriving in a chopper. Emotional reunion A TikTok user, who was present at the funeral, shared a video of him landing in a field where his friends and family were gathered. Many people rushed over to Baerten and greeted and hugged him as he got down from the helicopter. Baerten then explained the whole stunt to those in attendance. His close friend Thomas Faut posted a video of the two men hugging as they met and captioned the emotional clip 'you got us'. WATCH | Gravitas: Woman knocks on her coffin after being declared dead "I swear I was crying and then I had the shock buddy, we love you very much," he said, while speaking about the emotional reunion, despite the deception of his friend. Baerten said that while "only half of my family came to the funeral," other relatives have reached out to him since then. "That proves who really cares about me. Those who didn't come did contact me to meet up. So in a way I did win," he said. Some of his followers agreed that he did give a valuable 'life lesson' to his family and asked him to "ignore the haters". You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Man fakes his own death, turns up dramatically at his funeral in a helicopter

<p>The departments of the United Kingdom government spent an estimated amount of 161.7 million pounds ($201 million) on the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth and related events, said the Treasury on Thursday.<br />
<br />
The country marked 10 days of national mourning after the longest-reigning monarch of Britain died aged 96 on September 8. After the mourning period, Queen Elizabeth’s state funeral was held on September 19.<br />
<br />
During the period, Elizabeth’s coffin was kept in Edinburgh Cathedral before it was shifted to London where around 250,000 citizens had queued for hours to see her coffin kept at Westminster Hall.<br />
<br />
Queen Elizabeth’s successor King Charles also went on a tour of four nations of Britain with then-prime minister Liz Truss.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-popular-scandals-of-queen-elizabeths-70-year-reign-514264">Ahead of King Charles' coronation, a look at scandals, controversies of Queen Elizabeth II's reign</a></p>

<p><br />
“The government’s priorities were that these events ran smoothly and with the appropriate level of dignity, while at all times ensuring the safety and security of the public,” stated John Glen, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, in a written statement to parliament.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Home Office splurged&nbsp;$91.65 million</strong><br />
&nbsp;</h2>

<p>“The death of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth on 8 September 2022 and the period of national mourning that followed was a moment of huge national significance,” Glen added.<br />
<br />
The Home Office, which carries the responsibility for national security and policing, accounted for the biggest portion of the total costs, amounting to 73.7 million pounds ($91.65 million).<br />
<br />
The disclosure comes around the time when the coronation of Elizabeth’s son King Charles was held with much pomp and show, raising many eyebrows over the high amount of money spent on the ceremony at a time when Britishers struggle with the worst cost-of-living crisis.<br />
<br />
The reports suggesting that the vast security operation has cost more than £100 million (US$124 million) have been rejected the Buckingham Palace.<br />
<br />
The ceremonial events to mark the death of the late queen and the immediate accession of Charles to the throne last September engaged more than 5,000 police officers from across the UK.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | King Charles III Coronation: Top moments of the ceremony</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Metropolitan Police's largest operation</strong><br />
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<p>The authorities had redeployed many officers to support the events which were taking place in Scotland and London, where the Queen died at her Balmoral estate, a year after her health started declining.<br />
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Police force was also deployed in Windsor and Norfolk where the Sandringham estate of the royals is situated. The funeral day was the then-largest policing operation ever staged by London’s Metropolitan Police, surpassing the 2012 Olympic Games' opening and closing ceremonies.<br />
<br />
This was topped by the police operation carried around King Charles' coronation on May 6 in which the Metropolitan Police lead an operation which involved 11,500 officers, staff and volunteers on duty.</p>

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The departments of the United Kingdom government spent an estimated amount of 161.7 million pounds ($201 million) on the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth and related events, said the Treasury on Thursday.

The departments of the United Kingdom government spent an estimated amount of 161.7 million pounds ($201 million) on the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth and related events, said the Treasury on Thursday. The country marked 10 days of national mourning after the longest-reigning monarch of Britain died aged 96 on September 8. After the mourning period, Queen Elizabeth’s state funeral was held on September 19. During the period, Elizabeth’s coffin was kept in Edinburgh Cathedral before it was shifted to London where around 250,000 citizens had queued for hours to see her coffin kept at Westminster Hall. Queen Elizabeth’s successor King Charles also went on a tour of four nations of Britain with then-prime minister Liz Truss. ALSO READ | Ahead of King Charles' coronation, a look at scandals, controversies of Queen Elizabeth II's reign “The government’s priorities were that these events ran smoothly and with the appropriate level of dignity, while at all times ensuring the safety and security of the public,” stated John Glen, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, in a written statement to parliament. Home Office splurged $91.65 million “The death of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth on 8 September 2022 and the period of national mourning that followed was a moment of huge national significance,” Glen added. The Home Office, which carries the responsibility for national security and policing, accounted for the biggest portion of the total costs, amounting to 73.7 million pounds ($91.65 million). The disclosure comes around the time when the coronation of Elizabeth’s son King Charles was held with much pomp and show, raising many eyebrows over the high amount of money spent on the ceremony at a time when Britishers struggle with the worst cost-of-living crisis. The reports suggesting that the vast security operation has cost more than £100 million (US$124 million) have been rejected the Buckingham Palace. The ceremonial events to mark the death of the late queen and the immediate accession of Charles to the throne last September engaged more than 5,000 police officers from across the UK. WATCH | King Charles III Coronation: Top moments of the ceremony Metropolitan Police's largest operation The authorities had redeployed many officers to support the events which were taking place in Scotland and London, where the Queen died at her Balmoral estate, a year after her health started declining. Police force was also deployed in Windsor and Norfolk where the Sandringham estate of the royals is situated. The funeral day was the then-largest policing operation ever staged by London’s Metropolitan Police, surpassing the 2012 Olympic Games' opening and closing ceremonies. This was topped by the police operation carried around King Charles' coronation on May 6 in which the Metropolitan Police lead an operation which involved 11,500 officers, staff and volunteers on duty. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UK government spent a whopping $200 mn on Queen Elizabeth’s funeral

Pervez Musharraf was a polarising figure in Pakistan. Even after death, Pakistanis are divided on his legacy. Reports say, the former military ruler may not get a state funeral. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Pakistan divided on Musharraf's legacy

Former Pakistan President and Army Chief General Pervez Musharraf's funeral was held in Karachi on Tuesday. It was attended by several retired and serving military officers.

WION Dispatch: Former Pak President Musharraf's last rites held in Karachi

On Wednesday, approximately three weeks after Tyre Nichols passed away following a police beating that was captured on video and generated a wave of demonstrations and cries for accountability around the country, his burial was held in Memphis. Visiting the burial was also US Vice President Kamala Harris.

US: Tyre Nichols' funeral takes place in Memphis, V-P Kamala Harris attends funeral

<p>The China COVID cases are surging and WHO has already pointed out that China has underrepresented the COVID data. The global health body has held a meeting concerning COVID in mainland China. If one goes by the books, Beijing eased down the COVID restrictions but the COVID story for China continues to remain gloomy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The story of China's crematoriums in Shanghai is sure to break hearts. Shanghai deaths are so much so that one funeral home is handling five times more corpses than usual per day, according to a report by Bloomberg. The mourning loved ones are merely allocated five to 10 minutes to mourn the dead, the Tuesday report added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the funeral homes is Longhua Funeral Home. Dozens of bodies are laid out on stretchers. To avoid piling up the dead bodies in a crematorium, the funeral house is only allowing mourners to briefly pay their respects to their dear departed souls. Later they are simply ushered away, the outlet added. According to one Longhua employee, in a conversation with Bloomberg revealed that the system is broken and in shambles. "The whole system is paralyzed right now," the Longhua employee said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The situation is no different at Baoxing Funeral Parlor in Shanghai. One can substantiate the reports to some extent as the Chinese health authorities as quoted by Beijing Daily that on 11 December emergency services were overwhelmed as they received over 30,000 calls in a single day. Speaking with Beijing Daily, Chen Zhi, chief physician at the Beijing Emergency Medical Center, said that currently, the resources for answering emergency calls and dispatching ambulances are very tight.</p>

<p>The official death tally for the entire pandemic — starting in 2019 — stood at 5,241 fatalities on December 24, 2022 when the count was last updated. On Christmas Day, the commission announced it would no longer provide daily updates to its coronavirus figures amid a deluge of new cases. Earlier, Chinese human right activist Jennifer Zeng shared inside stories from Chinese hospitals which indicated a huge surge of COVID cases in the country and a shortage of medical staff.&nbsp;</p>


The China COVID cases are surging and WHO has already pointed out that China has underrepresented the COVID data. The global health body has held a meeting concerning COVID in mainland China.

The China COVID cases are surging and WHO has already pointed out that China has underrepresented the COVID data. The global health body has held a meeting concerning COVID in mainland China. If one goes by the books, Beijing eased down the COVID restrictions but the COVID story for China continues to remain gloomy. The story of China's crematoriums in Shanghai is sure to break hearts. Shanghai deaths are so much so that one funeral home is handling five times more corpses than usual per day, according to a report by Bloomberg. The mourning loved ones are merely allocated five to 10 minutes to mourn the dead, the Tuesday report added. One of the funeral homes is Longhua Funeral Home. Dozens of bodies are laid out on stretchers. To avoid piling up the dead bodies in a crematorium, the funeral house is only allowing mourners to briefly pay their respects to their dear departed souls. Later they are simply ushered away, the outlet added. According to one Longhua employee, in a conversation with Bloomberg revealed that the system is broken and in shambles. "The whole system is paralyzed right now," the Longhua employee said. The situation is no different at Baoxing Funeral Parlor in Shanghai. One can substantiate the reports to some extent as the Chinese health authorities as quoted by Beijing Daily that on 11 December emergency services were overwhelmed as they received over 30,000 calls in a single day. Speaking with Beijing Daily, Chen Zhi, chief physician at the Beijing Emergency Medical Center, said that currently, the resources for answering emergency calls and dispatching ambulances are very tight. The official death tally for the entire pandemic — starting in 2019 — stood at 5,241 fatalities on December 24, 2022 when the count was last updated. On Christmas Day, the commission announced it would no longer provide daily updates to its coronavirus figures amid a deluge of new cases. Earlier, Chinese human right activist Jennifer Zeng shared inside stories from Chinese hospitals which indicated a huge surge of COVID cases in the country and a shortage of medical staff.

Shanghai COVID horror: Families get only 5 to 10 minutes slots to mourn loved ones

Thousands of fans poured into Brazilian streets on Monday to pay their respects to 'the king of football' Pele as the funeral for the late soccer legend got underway at a famed football stadium in Santos.

Brazil bids farewell to 'the king of football' Pele with 24-hour wake

On Tuesday, Japan bid a final farewell to its slain Ex-PM Shinzo Abe. The ceremony was attended by PM Narendra Modi & U.S. V-P Kamala Harris among other world leaders. The ceremony was also marked by protests from Japanese citizens. Why? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Japan bids final farewell to Shinzo Abe

US Vice-President Kamala Harris will attend former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe's funeral on Tuesday (September 27) in Tokyo. She also had a meeting with Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Monday to reaffirm the US-Japan alliance.

Kamala Harris Asia Tour: US VP Kamala Harris to attend Shinzo Abe's state funeral in Japan

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will depart for Tokyo on Monday evening to attend the state funeral of former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, scheduled on Tuesday. During his visit, PM Modi will also hold bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida.

WION Dispatch: Indian PM Modi to fly to Tokyo to attend Shinzo Abe's funeral

US Vice-President Kamala Harris met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida soon after arriving in Tokyo. Harris is set to attend former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s funeral on Tuesday.

Kamala Harris Asia Tour: US VP Harris holds talks with Japan's PM Fumio Kishida

A state funeral for Japan's former PM Shinzo Abe has upset Japanese citizens. Thousands are protesting on the streets of Tokyo to make Japan's govt call off the ceremony. Why? Because it's going to cost $11.4 Million. Molly Gambhir tells you more. 

Gravitas: Japanese citizens protest against 'lavish funeral' for Shinzo Abe

Japan on Tuesday fired cannons to commemorate assassinated former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the first state funeral for a former premier in 55 years.

Japan fires cannons to honour assassinated Former PM Shinzo Abe

Preparations were underway on Monday around the Nippon Budokan arena in central Tokyo for former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's state funeral, in which 6,000 guests and 190 foreign delegations are expected to attend.

Japan prepares for Former PM Shinzo Abe's state funeral

<p>The ledger stone holding Queen Elizabeth's name, those of her parents, and that of her husband Prince Philip was shown in a picture taken on Saturday (September 24) from the royal chapel in Windsor, where she is buried.</p>

<p>The stone, which is constructed of black Belgian marble, is located in the King George VI Memorial Chapel, which Queen Elizabeth had commissioned in 1962 as a burial place for George VI, her father. After a formal funeral on Monday in Westminister Abbey, the queen was laid to rest there.</p>

<p>The top two lines of the stone's brass inscription read "George VI 1895-1952 / Elizabeth 1900-2002," followed by a garter star and "Elizabeth II 1926-2022 / Philip 1921-2021."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-former-pm-abes-funeral-to-cost-more-than-queen-elizabeth-iis-519284">Japan: Former PM Abe’s funeral to cost more than Queen Elizabeth II’s?</a></p>

<p>In the chapel of Windsor Castle, west of London, Princess Margaret, sister of Queen Elizabeth, is also interred.</p>

<p>After 70 years as monarch, Elizabeth passed away on September 8 at Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands. Charles, her son, succeeded as King Charles III.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The ledger stone holding Queen Elizabeth's name, those of her parents, and that of her husband Prince Philip was shown in a picture taken on Saturday (September 24) from the royal chapel in Windsor, where she is buried.

The ledger stone holding Queen Elizabeth's name, those of her parents, and that of her husband Prince Philip was shown in a picture taken on Saturday (September 24) from the royal chapel in Windsor, where she is buried. The stone, which is constructed of black Belgian marble, is located in the King George VI Memorial Chapel, which Queen Elizabeth had commissioned in 1962 as a burial place for George VI, her father. After a formal funeral on Monday in Westminister Abbey, the queen was laid to rest there. The top two lines of the stone's brass inscription read "George VI 1895-1952 / Elizabeth 1900-2002," followed by a garter star and "Elizabeth II 1926-2022 / Philip 1921-2021." Also read | Japan: Former PM Abe’s funeral to cost more than Queen Elizabeth II’s? In the chapel of Windsor Castle, west of London, Princess Margaret, sister of Queen Elizabeth, is also interred. After 70 years as monarch, Elizabeth passed away on September 8 at Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands. Charles, her son, succeeded as King Charles III. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Queen Elizabeth's final resting place: First photo of ledger stone released

A man set himself on fire near the Japanese prime minister's office in Tokyo to protest against the state funeral of Japan's longest-serving prime minister Shinzo Abe.

Japan: Man attempts self-immolation near PM office over Abe's state funeral

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