Consolation prize: Donald Trump invited to Queen's memorial service in Washington DC after funeral snub

According to the Telegraph, the invitation describes the event as a "Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II." The Queen's Colour Squadron, a part of the Royal Air Force charged with the safe-keeping of the monarch's color for the RAF, would reportedly provide an honor guard for the occasion. The historic Cathedral, which the Queen herself has visited four times, is yet to announce whether all former presidents would attend.

Following Her Majesty's death last Thursday, September 8, the Cathedral's bell rang 96 times in appreciation of her lifetime of service. It is well known that Trump was a tremendous fan of the Queen and that his mother had an extreme devotion to the monarch. They first met in 2019 during a state visit after Trump became the 45th US President. According to Forbes, in a social media post on Truth social shortly after Her Majesty’s death, Trump said she leaves behind a tremendous legacy. 

He wrote, “Queen Elizabeth’s historic and remarkable reign left a tremendous legacy of peace and prosperity for Great Britain. Her leadership and enduring diplomacy secured and advanced alliances with the United States and countries around the world.” Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth II personally met with 13 of the last 14 US presidents during her 70-year reign from Harry Truman to Joe Biden, with Lyndon B Johnson the only exception. At least 500 dignitaries and foreign leaders are expected to travel to London for the first state funeral to be held in the United Kingdom. Queen Elizabeth II will lie in state until Monday, September 19, with millions of mourners expected to brace long queues to file through to view the coffin and pay their last respects.