Thatcher funeral held despite protest

THE FUNERAL of Baroness Thatcher, Britain’s first female Prime Minister, took place on Wednesday at St Paul’s Cathedral, with the coffin led by a procession involving 700 members of the armed forces.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh made a personal decision to attend the service, elevating the event to a state funeral in but name, to many commentators.

All other former Prime Ministers were also invited, as well as faith leaders from across the world and Royal representatives.

The Chapter, the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Richard Chartres and the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Rt Rev Justin Welby, led the procession through St Paul’s.

The Ver y Rev David Ison, Dean of St Paul’s, addressed the congregation with the Bidding.

The readings were given by Baroness Thatcher’s granddaughter Amanda and the Prime Minister David Cameron.

A full report of the funeral will be in next week’s paper.