Commuters read on a train daily newspapers featuring front-page coverage of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s death, in London, Tuesday, April 9, 2013. Margaret Thatcher, the combative “Iron Lady” who infuriated European allies, found a fellow believer in former US President Ronald Reagan and transformed her country by a ruthless dedication to free markets in 11 bruising years as prime minister, died Monday, April 8, 2013. She was 87 years old. AP
LONDON—The funeral of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher will take place on April 17, current premier David Cameron’s Downing Street office said Tuesday.
“It was agreed this morning at the government coordination meeting with the Thatcher family and Buckingham Palace that the funeral service of Lady Thatcher will take place on Wednesday 17 April at St. Paul’s Cathedral,” Downing Street said in a statement.
Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip will attend, in an unusual move, Buckingham Palace said.
The queen does not usually attend funerals or memorial services of non-royals.
Thatcher, who died on Monday at the age of 87, will be given a ceremonial funeral, the second highest honor after a state funeral.