Advertisement

Margaret Thatcher funeral: George Osborne in tears during St Paul's service

Chancellor George Osborne appeared to wipe tears from his eyes during Margaret Thatcher's funeral today.

Mr Osborne seemed to become emotional at the service while The Bishop of London told an anecdote from Baroness Thatcher's time as prime minister.

The Chancellor has spoken before of his huge admiration for the former prime minister.

St Paul's Cathedral was packed with a who's who of British politics for the funeral service today.

Past and present politicians, including three former prime ministers, took their places alongside royalty, foreign dignitaries and a scattering of celebrities.

Every member of the current Cabinet attended, led by Prime Minister David Cameron, who gave a reading from the Gospel of St John.

Also there were more than 30 members of the Iron Lady's cabinets from 1979-90, including Lord Heseltine and Lord Howe, whose challenges to her leadership triggered her removal from power.
The Queen was among the final guests to arrive today.

She arrived with the Duke of Edinburgh shortly before the service was due to begin at 11am.
The National Anthem was played by the Band of the Welsh Guards as the Queen's car arrived outside the entrance to St Paul's Cathedral.

It is the first time the monarch has attended the funeral service of a former prime minister since Sir Winston Churchill's state ceremony in 1965.

The former prime minister's children, Sir Mark and Carole, were accompanied by her grandchildren Amanda and Michael.

Earlier this week, Sir Mark said his mother would have been "humbled" to know the Queen will attend her funeral.

[All the latest news on the funeral of Margaret Thatcher]



Baroness Thatcher's teenage granddaughter Amanda was thrust into the spotlight today as she played a key role in the funeral.

The 19-year-old appeared self-assured as she delivered a flawless reading during the service.

Amanda, the daughter of Lady Thatcher's son Sir Mark, gave the first reading in the ceremony, from St Paul's letter to the Ephesians VI, 10-18, which says: "Finally, my brethren, be strong in The Lord, and in the power of his might."

The only other reading at today's service was given by Prime Minister David Cameron.

Amanda and her brother Michael flew to the UK at the weekend from Dallas, Texas, where they live with their mother Diane Beckett, Sir Mark's first wife.