President Biden, first lady Jill Biden, other leaders pay respects to queen as she lies in state

By Caroline Thayer

Published September 18, 2022

President Joe Biden along with first lady Jill Biden arrived at Westminster Hall to pay their final respects to Queen Elizabeth II, who lies in state ahead of her funeral Monday morning.

Both the president and the first lady were also photographed at Lancaster House, signing a book of condolences.

President Biden signs book of condolences

President Joe Biden, accompanied by first lady Jill Biden, signed a book of condolences at Lancaster House. (Jonathan Hordle-WPA Pool)

Other distinguished heads of states and dignitaries arrived to greet King Charles III, who along with other members of the royal family, would be welcomed with a reception.

Also in attendance was the first lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, who paid her respects to the late monarch amid the ongoing war in her country.

The first lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska views the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, who lies in state at Westminster Hall ahead of her funeral on Monday. She was not joined by her husband amid the war in Ukraine. (Jacob King - WPA Pool)

The prime minister of the United Kingdom and Boris Johnson's successor, Liz Truss, was photographed meeting King Charles earlier in the day. She hosted several leaders in a conversation of her own, including Canada's prime minister, Justin Trudeau.

King Charles III greets Prime Minister Liz Truss in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace ahead of other dignitaries arriving to Westminster Hall on Sunday. (Kirsty O'Connor - WPA Pool)

The President of Ireland signs a book of condolences

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Michael D. Higgins, the president of Ireland, at Lancaster House signing a book of condolences for the queen. (Jonathan Hordle/Pool/AFP)

French President Emmanuel Macron and wife prepare to visit the Queen

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French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron are pictured outside Westminster Hall on September 18. They arrived to pay respect to Elizabeth II Queen's lying-in-state. (Dursun Aydemir/Anadolu Agency)

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa signs a condolence book

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South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa is photographed signing a book of condolences at Lancaster House after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. (JONATHAN HORDLE/POOL/AFP)

Spain's King Felipe VI and Spain's Queen Letizia pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II as they view her coffin in Westminster Hall. (Jaob King/POOL/AFP)

Caroline Thayer is an entertainment writer. Follow Caroline Thayer on Twitter at @carolinejthayer and LinkedIn. Story tips can be sent to caroline.thayer@fox.com.

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