Political leaders and royal family members from around the world are arriving in London to attend the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on Monday.

Local media quote diplomatic sources as saying that about 500 dignitaries from nearly 200 countries and territories will be at Westminster Abbey for the funeral.

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, and US President Joe Biden are among the guests.

Security is extremely tight in the British capital. Roads near the abbey have been closed and police officers are deployed several meters apart.

The Queen's coffin will lie in state at Westminster Hall until Monday morning.

A huge number of people are forming long lines and waiting for hours time to pay their last respects to her.

King Charles III will host a banquet for the guests at Buckingham Palace on Sunday evening.

The British government is asking the public to observe a moment of silence from 8 p.m. on Sunday, local time, to mourn the passing of the Queen and reflect on her life and legacy.

The funeral will begin at 11 a.m. on Monday.

The Queen died on September 8 at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. She sat on the throne for 70 years, becoming the longest-serving British monarch.