Biden says he will attend Queen Elizabeth II's funeral

WASHINGTON

US President Joe Biden said on Friday that he will be in attendance for late Queen Elizabeth II's funeral after the UK's longest-serving monarch died this week.

Asked if he will attend the services, Biden told reporters, "Yes. I don’t know what the details are yet, but I’ll be going."

The confirmation comes just hours after the White House declined to confirm any presidential travel for the queen's funeral, citing "official protocol" for leaders to be invited to the yet-to-be-announced services.

The funeral is expected to take place in the coming weeks.

The queen, 96, was the longest-serving monarch in British history. Buckingham Palace said she "died peacefully" at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. The queen had mobility and health issues for the past year stemming from old age. She had to cancel several engagements due to her health and her physician's advice.

Her final public appearance was during the Platinum Jubilee celebration in June as she marked 70 years on the British throne.

She has been succeeded by her son Charles III, who left London as the prince of Wales and returned the king.

Biden said he has not yet spoken with Charles following his mother's passing.