Letter from the Queen regarding Churchill's funeral

Sir Winston Churchill is one of only three British Prime ministers to receive a state funeral, along with Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, and William Gladstone. As state funerals are usually reserved for the monarchy, the assent of both Parliament and the Crown was required in order for the funeral to take place.

This letter from Queen Elizabeth II grants permission for the use of both Westminster Hall and St Paul's Cathedral during the state funeral. Her Majesty also expresses a desire that the entire nation should ‘have the opportunity to express their sorrow' over the passing of Churchill, who she describes as ‘the inspiring leader who strengthened and supported us all.'