World leaders arrive at Bush’s funeral to pay respects

The state funeral of former US president George HW Bush, who died on Friday aged 94, will take place at the National Cathedral in Washington DC

Written by Monika Walker

Published 2018-12-05 06:44:57

Updated 2026-03-01 18:50:35

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Alex Brandon/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock (10012791y)
Former US President George W. Bush and other family members watch as the flag-draped of former US President George H.W. Bush is carried by a joint services military honor guard to lie in state in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, DC, USA, 03 December 2018. Bush will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda before his state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral on 05 December. George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States (1989-1993), died at the age of 94 on 30 November 2018 at his home in Texas.
George H.W. Bush dies at 94, Washington, USA - 03 Dec 2018

The state funeral of former US president George HW Bush, who died on Friday aged 94, will take place at the National Cathedral in Washington DC.

World leaders and dignitaries are arriving in the US to pay their respects at the state funeral of former President George HW Bush.

His son, George W Bush, is expected to deliver one of the eulogies at today's service, which will be attended by world leaders past and present, including US President Donald Trump.

The body of Bush, which has been lying in state at the US Capitol, will be moved to the National Cathedral later on Wednesday for the funeral.

Former president George W Bush and his family greeted mourners at the Capitol building.

He was accompanied by his wife, Laura, their daughters, Jenna and Barbara, and his brother Jeb.

George HW Bush's body will be brought to the National Cathedral later today, where a funeral service will take place.

Bush senior, has served as the 41st US president between 1989 and 1993.

He will be buried in his home state of Texas, alongside his wife, Barbara.

The invitation-only funeral will begin at the Washington National Cathedral at 09:00 local time (14:00 GMT).

President Donald Trump, and predecessors Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Jimmy Carter will all attend the service.

The Prince of Wales, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and Jordan's King Abdullah II are among the world figures there to pay their respects.

Former leaders, including John Major, who was UK prime minister for most of Bush's term, will also attend.

Wednesday has been declared a national day of mourning - many government offices, and US stock exchanges, will be closed.

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Monika Walker

Monika Walker is a senior journalist specializing in regional and international politics, offering in-depth analysis on governance, diplomacy, and key global developments. With a degree in International Journalism, she is dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices through factual reporting. She also covers world news across every genre, providing readers with balanced and timely insights that connect the Caribbean to global conversations.