Queen Elizabeth II’s death: President Joe Biden expected to join other world leaders at Her Majesty’s funeral

American President Joe Biden has said that he will likely attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, who has died aged 96.

Britain’s longest-reigning monarch passed away peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Thursday 8 September 2022.

A statement from Buckingham Palace read: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

“The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

Charles, formally the Prince of Wales, has been heir to the throne since the age of three and became King Charles III after his mother’s death.

The country has entered a period of national mourning, which will last for around 12 days.

The Queen’s state funeral is expected to take place later this month at Westminster Abbey in central London, although an official date has not yet been confirmed.

It will be attended by members of the royal family, public figures, heads of state, and world leaders.

President Biden told DailyMail.com that he is likely to travel to the UK for the occasion, saying "yes, probably" when asked by a reporter if he was attending.

Biden, who first met the Queen in 1982, was told of her death during a meeting in the Oval Office.

The president visited the British embassy in Washington to sign a book of condolence on Thursday, after Buckingham Palace announced the news.

Biden and his wife, First Lady Jill Biden, have offered their condolences to the British Royal Family in a statement.

"Queen Elizabeth II was a stateswoman of unmatched dignity and constancy who deepened the bedrock Alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. She helped make our relationship special," the Bidens said.

“Today, the thoughts and prayers of people all across the United States are with the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth in their grief.

"We send our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, who are not only mourning their Queen, but their dear mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her legacy will loom large in the pages of British history and in the story of our world," the statement went on.

He announced that flags at the White House and other federal government buildings should fly at half-staff until Elizabeth II’s funeral.

Biden’s most recent meeting with the Queen was last year, during a visit to the UK for a G7 summit of world leaders.

The Bidens met with the Queen at Windsor Castle for a Guard of Honour and afternoon tea with the monarch.

Mr Biden said afterwards that the Queen had reminded him of his mother, and he had invited the Queen to visit the White House.

The president says he is looking forward to continuing a close friendship with Charles, having previously met last year in Glasgow at a United Nations climate conference.

“In the years ahead, we look forward to continuing a close friendship with The King and The Queen Consort,” said Biden.