Presidential Office: "Yoon's Condolence Schedule Coordinated with British Royal Family... Not Neglect or Tardiness"

"Advance Coordination by the British Royal Family... Following Requests and Guidance on Traffic Conditions"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] The Blue House has refuted opposition party claims that President Yoon Suk-yeol was snubbed and arrived late during his attendance at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in the UK, stating that "this is completely untrue" and that the schedule was "arranged through coordination."

Lee Jae-myung, Deputy Spokesperson of the Blue House, said on the 20th (Korean time) at the press center in New York, USA, "There are claims domestically that President Yoon was snubbed, but he was certainly not snubbed, nor was the memorial visit canceled or the condolence note withdrawn," addressing the issue.

Deputy Spokesperson Lee explained, "President Yoon wrote the condolence note yesterday at 2 p.m. at the Church House," adding, "Alongside President Yoon, numerous high-level dignitaries including Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the King of Monaco, the President of Austria, and the President of Greece wrote condolence notes following the guidance of the British royal family."

He particularly emphasized that the condolence schedule for President Yoon and his spouse was based on prior coordination with the British royal family. Deputy Spokesperson Lee stated, "Initially, after consulting with the British royal household, it was planned that President Yoon would arrive in the UK around 3 p.m., and an hour later, he would lay a wreath at the Korean War Memorial and pay respects at Westminster Hall. All these schedules were coordinated with the British royal family." He continued, "However, due to unfavorable local traffic conditions and the possibility of being late for King Charles III's reception invitation, the royal family requested to postpone the memorial visit and condolence note signing to the following day, and we followed the royal family's request and guidance."

Regarding criticisms of a "protocol mistake," he added, "I think that politically exploiting the grief of a nation, especially the grief of humanity, is a greater sorrow."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.