Queen Elizabeth II: Dai Davies discusses policing of funeral

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Dai Davies, former head of royal protection, told TalkTV that he had heard reports that US President Joe Biden was planning on attending the funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth, which points to the “enormity” of the event. He said Mr Biden alone would prove a “huge security risk”. Mr Davies said the only funerals in this lifetime that would compare would be those of Sir Winston Churchill and Lord Mountbatten, but added that the Queen’s will be far larger. Speaking about the potential for an attack, Mr Davies said “the challenges now are far greater in terms of terrorism” and suggested the police would enlist the help of the military and the security services to ensure the procession was run smoothly. 

Mr Davies said: “Well if you look back to Winston Churchill and Lord Mountbatten, they were huge funerals but this funeral will be the biggest any of us in our generation have seen. 

“Queen Victoria’s funeral was huge but I do not think there is anybody left from 1901, so this will be huge and, of course, the challenges now are far far greater in terms of terrorism, although there was terrorism in 1901. 

“The scale now and the potential threat to all VIPs [will be enormous]. I have just heard that US President Joe Biden may be coming, if not his deputy. They, just on their own, cause a huge security risk. 

“The Metropolitan Police will be pulling all the plugs out in conjunction with the military and the security services. It is going to be enormous.” 

It has not been reported when the Queen’s funeral will take place but it is believed it will happen around 11 days after Her Majesty died, which was on Thursday afternoon. 

The Cabinet Office said on Friday that details of the Queen’s funeral and other forthcoming ceremonial and commemorative events will be announced “in due course”.

The department also warned of crowding and delays on some public transport as people seek to pay their respects.

It said: “We recognise that many people will travel to Buckingham Palace and other royal residences as a mark of their respect.

“We expect large crowds, which can pose risks to public safety. Those who do travel are asked to follow any instructions given to them by stewards and the police. 

“We expect significant crowding and delays on some public transport. The public should check ahead and plan accordingly.

“As you would expect, a number of organisations will now be making practical preparations including contingency planning for the state funeral and related events. 

“Access to some areas, especially in central London, will be restricted, with road closures and diversions that will cause delays to vehicles and pedestrians.

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“Those who wish to lay floral tributes near royal residences in London, Windsor, Edinburgh, Balmoral, and Sandringham are asked to do so only in designated areas, as directed by stewards. Further details will be made available shortly.”

Britain’s royal family will now observe a period of mourning that ends on the seventh day after the funeral of Queen Elizabeth, with flags at royal residences to remain at half-mast.

“Following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, it is His Majesty The King’s wish that a period of Royal Mourning be observed from now until seven days after The Queen’s Funeral,” a statement said.

Meanwhile, a gun salute was fired in London at 1pm in Hyde Park, with one round fired for each year of the 96-year-old queen’s life. 

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