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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsOh dear- We are not amused-Thatcher funeral's military pomp raises concerns at Buckingham Palace
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2013/apr/11/thatcher-funeral-pomp-concerns-palace<snip>
Buckingham Palace raised concerns about the ceremonial funeral with military honours for Lady Thatcher that is to be attended on Wednesday by the Queen and more than 2,000 guests including every surviving British prime minister, the Guardian understands.
As invitations were sent out to world leaders, including all surviving US presidents and Hillary Clinton, it emerged that concerns were expressed at the highest levels about whether it is appropriate for such a controversial figure to be escorted on her final journey by more than 700 military personnel.
In discussions about the funeral held over recent years, it is understood that questions were raised by senior figures about whether it is right to associate the military with such a divisive figure, according to a well-placed Whitehall source.
It is understood that there were fears that the British tradition, in which the monarchy rather than politicians are associated with ceremonial aspects of the military, could be called into question. Thatcher's coffin will be drawn on a gun carriage of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery from St Clement Danes church the church of the Royal Air Force in the Strand to St Paul's cathedral.
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In a strange way Cameron is digging his own political grave. I'm lovin' it
Cleita
(75,480 posts)they did to traitors or those who fell afoul of the crown back when? One does miss the good old days.
Can't wait for Saturday might's protests
Cal Carpenter
(4,959 posts)SoCalDem
(103,856 posts)unless their family is prepared to pay the costs
malaise
(267,808 posts)they kicked her out of the leadership
Manifestor_of_Light
(21,046 posts)She destroyed jobs and whole industries.
How about a cheap cut-rate funeral director with a casket made in China???
malaise
(267,808 posts)but remember that RW hypocrites have different rules for themselves
femmocrat
(28,394 posts)across the US, this is shorter at least.
Wonder how it compares to past PM's funerals.
malaise
(267,808 posts)The Guardian has lots of articles
Denzil_DC
(7,187 posts)The only thing to compare was Winston Churchill's funeral in 1965, which was a grand send-off (much, much grander than what's going to happen next week) for a man some regarded as a war hero. The funerals for ex-Prime Ministers since have been much more low-key and less tacky.
The way things are going, I'm surprised they'll be able to muster 700 servicemen.
This is looking more and more ridiculous. They called Parliament back for a special session to "debate" Thatcher's legacy at enormous expense, and even the Speaker of the House wasn't happy about it and would have preferred it to happen next week when they'll be in session anyway.
It feels like Cameron's trying to use this as a distraction from the terible state his government's in and drum up some of that old Falklands spirit - the probable implication being that if you're against it, and especially if you demonstrate against it, then you're being disloyal to the troops and the memory of those who died during the Falklands, which was, after all, her finest hour.