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| Britain |
| Not enough troops for State funeral when Margaret Thatcher passes |
| 2008-07-13 |
| Margaret Thatcher is to be given the ultimate accolade of a State funeral when she reaches the end of her days – the first British Prime Minister since Winston Churchill to be afforded such an honour. But the possibility of a formal procession could be jeopardised by fears that there are insufficient troops available to line the route because the Armed Forces are so overstretched in Afghanistan and Iraq. Although Lady Thatcher is currently in good health – she was with the Queen at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday – The Mail on Sunday has learned that plans are under way for her funeral, when the time eventually comes, to take place at St Paul’s Cathedral. The Queen and Gordon Brown are both in discussions with Lady Thatcher’s private office concerning the arrangements. This does not reflect any concern over Lady Thatcher’s health, but simply the prudent long-term planning necessary for any event involving the Queen. It has not yet been decided whether the 82-year-old former Conservative leader will lie in state in Westminster Hall. To date the only Prime Minister in the 20th and 21st centuries to be given this honour was Churchill. There were four non-Royal State funerals in the 19th century – Nelson, Wellington, Palmerston and Gladstone. St Paul’s was chosen at Lady Thatcher’s request. The Queen is expected to be among the many world leaders, Royals and other dignitaries who would be in attendance. |
| Posted by:GolfBravoUSMC |
| #8 Well, if there aren't enough active British troops, I would bet there would be plenty of veterans who would take part. Might be troops from Canada and Australia who would be willing to take part too. Heck, the US might even be willing to send a battalion or two. |
| Posted by: crosspatch 2008-07-13 18:13 |
| #7 Let's send some American troops. She was on our side for sure. I recall the Black Watch were at JFK and Ike's funerals. |
| Posted by: .5MT 2008-07-13 15:50 |
| #6 I suspect that this is a sneer from Labour, who still bitterly hate Lady Thatcher for tearing down much of their cathedral of inefficiency, bureaucracy and waste. That they have now spent years rebuilding. |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2008-07-13 14:24 |
| #5 Agreed, let's wait for the day. But when she passes, how about asking the Commonwealth countries to send a detachment each? The Indians, Canadians, Aussies, etc -- each would look outstanding in their dress uniforms. Send a detachment of the US Marines as our representatives in their dress blues. I think Maggie would look at that and smile. |
| Posted by: Steve White 2008-07-13 13:03 |
| #4 Let's send some American troops. She was on our side for sure. But also, lets have this discussion when the Iron Lady passes. She is healthy and has our best wishes. |
| Posted by: JAB 2008-07-13 12:22 |
| #3 Re-activate retired troops who can still fit in their uniforms & you'd have more than enough volunteers for the honor. |
| Posted by: Glenmore 2008-07-13 10:57 |
| #2 What a sad demise of a once great empire. |
| Posted by: bigjim-ky 2008-07-13 10:18 |
| #1 They could line up government employees 15 deep as human shields, but the public wouldn't be able to see the procession. |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2008-07-13 09:07 |