Joe And Jill Biden Pay Respects To Queen Elizabeth In London
The U.S. President and first lady visited the late monarch's coffin and signed the queen's official condolence books.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden have paid their respects to Queen Elizabeth II ahead of the late monarch's funeral.
On Sunday, the Bidens visited the late queen's coffin as it lied-in-state at Westminster Hall. Standing in an elevated lane in the hall, the president and first lady were solemn as they joined members of the public who have traveled to see the coffin since last Wednesday.
Members of the royal family have also held vigils at Westminster Hall over the past weekend. The queen's children—King Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward—stood vigil on Saturday night local time, followed by the queen's grandchildren on Sunday. Prince William and Prince Harry joined
Related article: All The Photos From The Vigil For Queen Elizabeth II
Photo: WPA Pool / Getty Images
Photo: WPA Pool / Getty Images
The Bidens then went to the historical Lancaster House near Buckingham Palace, where they signed the official condolence books for the late sovereign.
Per CNN, President Biden wrote a lengthy message in the condolence book, which read in part, "She treated everyone with dignity and respect. Jill and I were honored to have met with her and feel her warmth. Our hearts go out to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom."
Part of the first lady's message read, "Queen Elizabeth II lived her life for the people she served with wisdom and grace. We will never forget her warmth, kindness, and the conversations we shared."
For the outings, the first lady wore a gray knee-length coat featuring a decorative bow tie, paired with black tights and heels.
Related article: Prince Harry And Prince William To Stand Vigil For Queen Elizabeth II
Photo: WPA Pool / Getty Images
Photo: Brendan Smialowski / Getty Images
On Sunday evening, the president and first lady attended a reception hosted by King Charles, where the sovereign welcomed world leaders and dignitaries who traveled to the U.K. to attend the state funeral. Dr. Biden wore an elegant all-black ensemble, comprised of a long-sleeved midi-length dress with a keyhole neckline, black tights, and black heels.
Related article: The Royals Were Visibly Emotional At The Procession For The Queen
Photo: Markus Schreiber / Getty Images
After signing the condolence book, Dr. Biden expressed his condolences to the royal family and the people of the United Kingdom, saying that Queen Elizabeth was "the same in person as her image -- decent, honorable and all about service."
""It's a loss that leaves a giant hole, and sometimes you'll think you'll never overcome it. But as I've told the King, she's going to be with him every step of the way," he continued.
This article originally appeared on Harper's BAZAAR US.