A host of people from across Tayside and Fife are on the guest list for the Queen’s funeral.
Dignitaries and members of the public will join world leaders and members of the royal family for the occasion in London on Monday.
While the full guest list has not been revealed by officials, several locals have confirmed their attendance at Westminster Abbey.
Among them is Stephen Leckie, Lord Lieutenant of Perth and Kinross – who represents the monarch in the region.
He told The Courier: “In a strange sort of way I am looking forward to attending.
“It is not about me going, it is about representing the county on behalf of the people.
“I will be taking the wishes of the people of Perth and Kinross.
“As lord lieutenant it is my duty as a working member of the royal household.”
Mr Leckie met the Queen on several occasions.
He added: “From the second you met her she was interested. She had the most amazing, piercing and inquisitive blue eyes and she always knew her stuff about you.”
Among other dignitaries attending is Angus Lord Lieutenant Pat Sawers and her husband David.
She told The Courier: “I had the honour and privilege of being appointed Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Angus in late August 2019 and hopefully would have been able to meet her in 2020.
“Unfortunately, the Covid pandemic meant that was not possible so very sadly I did not have the opportunity to meet the Queen.
“I do think we saw the absolute best in people during the Covid pandemic, people and communities coming together.
“Who can forget the words when she addressed the nation during the pandemic and said, ‘we will meet again’?”
Representing Dundee in an official capacity will be Bill Campbell – Lord Lieutenant and Lord Provost.
Mr Campbell said: “While it is obviously a sad occasion, it is one I am honoured to have been asked to attend so that I can pay respects to her majesty on behalf of the people of Dundee for the final time.”
Fiona Robertson, Vice Lord Lieutenant of Fife, will be there on behalf of the kingdom.
She said: “I have been nominated by Lord Lieutenant Robert Balfour to take his place as he is out of the country.
“The Queen gave so many years of dedicated service and Monday will be a celebration of her reign, which I am delighted to be able to be a part of on behalf of the county of Fife – which she served very well.
“I met the Queen in 2017 when she opened the Queensferry Crossing.
“I accompanied the Duke of Edinburgh. It was rainy and miserable but when the Queen stepped out of the car her smile lit up a very dreich day.”
Tayside doctor who received MBE invited to funeral
The Courier also understands that Tayside-based Dr Barry Klaassen MBE is among nearly 200 Queen’s birthday honour recipients to have been invited to the funeral.
Dr Klaasen was recognised in June for his work in overseas healthcare.
Meanwhile Joe Morrow, Lord Lyon – a former Dundee councillor – is also in London to take part in proceedings.
It comes after he led a public proclamation to announce the accession of King Charles III in Edinburgh at the weekend.
- Are you attending the Queen’s funeral in an official or private capacity? Email livenews@thecourier.co.uk or let us know in the comments below.
Conversation