Joe Biden arrives in UK for Queen Elizabeth's funeral

US President will not have meeting with UK Prime Minister Liz Truss as initially planned

US President Joe Biden arrived in Britain late on Saturday for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral.

Mr Biden's plane arrived at London Stansted Airport outside the capital just before 10pm UK time.

He is expected to pay his respects at Queen Elizabeth's coffin and meet King Charles III on Sunday before Monday's state funeral.

However, a planned meeting with Prime Minister Liz Truss has been cancelled.

Instead, they will hold a “full bilateral meeting” at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, her Downing Street office said.

It did not say why the original meeting with Mr Biden had been cancelled.

Mr Biden is among many world leaders travelling to the UK to honour Queen Elizabeth’s long reign.

Along with first lady Jill Biden, he was greeted at the airport by UK ambassador Jane Hartley, Lord Lieutenant of Essex Jennifer Tolhurst and others.

After the queen’s death, Mr Biden issued a proclamation directing that all American flags be flown at half mast “as a mark of respect for the memory of Queen Elizabeth II” until sunset on the day of her funeral.

Before coming to London, he spoke with the king to offer his condolences and went to the British Embassy as well.

Rehearsal for Queen Elizabeth's funeral — in pictures

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  An early morning rehearsal took place on Thursday for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London. All photos: PA

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  The funeral will take place in London on Monday.

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  A procession down The Mall during the early morning rehearsal.

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  Members of the military take part.

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  The procession makes its way through central London as Big Ben looms.

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  Soldiers outside Westminster Abbey.

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  The eyes of the world will be on Westminster Abbey.