Former
prime minister Margaret Thatcher, the controversial "Iron Lady" who
shaped a generation of British politics, died following a stroke on Monday at
the age of 87.
The British will have the final say
on the legacy of Margaret Thatcher, who was their leader, Prime Minister from
1979 to 1990, the first woman to lead a European (or North American) country.
But she has a presence in so many political images and ideologies—and world
historical and cultural moments—that the rest of the world has some reckoning
to do, too. She was a grocer’s daughter. She died as Baroness Thatcher of
Kesteven
Margaret Thatcher is to receive a
ceremonial funeral – the same level given to the Queen Mother and Princess
Diana. Lady Thatcher will receive a ceremonial funeral with military honours at
St Paul's Cathedral.
The Queen has consented to the
honour, said Downing Street. It is understood that Thatcher had been consulted
on the details of the service, which is expected to reflect her love of Elgar.
There will be no public lying in state at her request, it is understood.
"The service will be held at St
Paul's Cathedral. A wide and diverse range of people and groups with connections
to Lady Thatcher will be invited. The service will be followed by a private
cremation. All the arrangements being put in place are in line with wishes of
Lady Thatcher's family. Further details will be published over the coming
days."
The costs of the funeral will be
borne by the government and Thatcher's estate, Downing Street
A ceremonial funeral is one below a
state funeral, which is normally reserved for monarchs. Sir Winston Churchill
was the last former premier to be given a state funeral, in 1965. The funerals
of the Queen Mother and Diana, Princess of Wales, were ceremonial funerals.
There is little difference between a
ceremonial and a state funeral, but the latter would require an act of
parliament. "To the man in the street it will look like a state
funeral," said one Whitehall official.
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