CHARLOTTE, NC — Despite rumors, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is unlikely to attend the funeral for the Reverend Billy Graham later this week.
Billy Graham with Queen Elizabeth in 1989, courtesy BillyGraham.org.
Buckingham Palace tells WCCB that Queen Elizabeth II is no longer undertaking international travel, and therefore it is highly unlikely that she would attend Graham’s funeral this Friday.
Rumors about the Queen’s attendance began circulating late last week due to their longstanding friendship.
The Queen and Rev. Graham first met back in the mid-1950’s, and, according to an article on BillyGraham.org, maintained their friendship throughout the years. The article says Her Majesty would often visit with the Reverend during trips to the United States, and Graham would visit during trips to the U.K.
“No one in Britain has been more cordial toward us than Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” Billy Graham wrote in his autobiography, ‘Just As I Am.’ “Almost every occasion I have been with her has been in a warm, informal setting, such as a luncheon or dinner, either alone or with a few family members or other close friends.”
The Rev. Billy Graham’s body will lie in repose at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte Monday and Tuesday, and will then lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday and Thursday.
Graham will then be laid to rest beside his wife Ruth at the Billy Graham Library following a noon funeral service Friday, March 2.
