More than 2000 people were in attendance when Queen Elizabeth II was farewelled during her state funeral at Westminster Abbey on Monday.
WATCH: In Memory Of Queen Elizabeth II
But Princess Mary of Denmark was notably absent from the landmark ceremony, though her husband Prince Frederik was there with Queen Margrethe II of Denmark.
Royal watchers were surprised by the Australian-born royal’s absence, as she’s understood to have a good relationship with senior members of the British monarchy.
While some speculated she chose to stay at home with her and Frederik’s four children, the real reason may have been down to space in the Abbey.
It’s understood that only two people from each foreign delegation were permitted to attend due to size limitations, be they a Prime Minister, royal or foreign dignitary.
As Queen Margrethe is a widow, she appears to have chosen to bring her son and heir Frederik as her plus one.
Princess Mary of Denmark was notably absent from the landmark ceremony.
And Mary not the only Australian expected to attend the funeral who did not appear at Westminster Abbey on Monday morning.
Nine “everyday Australians” who had made “extraordinary contributions to their communities, and who represent Australian culture and values” were invited to farewell the Queen on Monday.
But one was missing.
Chris Waller, who trained champion horse Winx and cared for many of the Queen’s horses and was close with Her Majesty, revealed before the service that he would no longer be in attendance due to “COVID-19 related reasons”.
Chris Waller was unable to attend due to Covid-19 related reasons.
“Unfortunately due to Covid-19 related reasons I am unable to attend the funeral,” Waller wrote via Twitter.
“Like so many others I will live and cherish for the rest of my life the fond memories I have of Her Majesty; her love of horses and all animals; her passion for life and the respect she gave everyday people”.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was also not be able to attend, however, his wife Olena Zelenska was in attendance.
WATCH: Queen Elizabeth II’s Line Of Succession
World leaders not invited to attend Queen Elizabeth’s funeral included those from Russia, Belarus, Myanmar, Venezuela, Syria and Afghanistan.
Following the Queen’s funeral service, a gun carriage procession will take the Queen’s coffin past Buckingham Palace and arrive at Hyde Park Corner at 1 pm local time.
The coffin will then be moved to a hearse and moved towards Windsor Castle, where a committal service will be held at 4pm UK time at St George’s chapel.
Finally, the Queen’s coffin will be lowered into the Royal Vault alongside her beloved husband, Prince Philip.
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