World Leaders And Treasurers Present At Queen Elizabeth II Cemetery, London Police: The Biggest Protection Operation In Nearly 200 Years

London police illustration. (Wikimedia Commons/Ibex73)

JAKARTA - The London Police said Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral would be the biggest security operation ever, when the president, prime minister, noble, and international figures attend the funeral of Britain's longest king on Monday.

The Queen's funeral is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of people to London's streets, echoing other important events in British history, including her coronation in 1953, the funeral of former Prime Minister Winston change in 1965 and Princess Diana's death in 1997.

Stuart Cundy, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the London Metropolitan Police, said troops were preparing to anticipate various events ranging from threats of terrorism to protests and mass destruction.

He said his troops would deploy the largest number of officers on city streets and the largest protection operations for world leaders and nobles in nearly 200 years of police history, with officers from almost every force in the country deployed.

Among the specialist officers on duty are divers, dog handlers, equestrian police, motorcyclists, firearms officers and close protection officers, who will look after leaders and members of the royal family from around the world.

US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron are among the most famous guests from abroad who have confirmed that they will attend.

Cundy said massive police operations would surpass other major police events in London, including the 2012 Olympics and celebrations in June for Platinum Jubilee Ratu, which celebrates 70 years on the British throne.

To provide an overview of the scale of the operation, Cundy said 22 miles (36 km) of the barrier had been deployed in central London to help control the crowd.

"Nothing is comparable to our police operation this week, and particularly on Monday for state funerals," Cundy told Reuters.

"This will be the biggest police operation the Met police have ever carried out and I think it will most likely be done."

Police operations will be monitored by Mark Rowley, who in the first week served as head of London police after rejoining forces who previously served as national leaders for counter-terrorism.

London police have so far made 34 arrests ahead of the funeral, but none of them were linked to the protests. There is criticism that in Scotland the police were too harsh in dealing with those who voiced objections.

"People have the right to protest. Our response will be proportional, balanced, and our officers will only take action if it is absolutely necessary," Cundy said.

The De Meyer team, assistant police chief of Thames Valley Police, who will be in charge of police operations at Windsor in which the queen will be brought from London for burial, said the public would face airport-style checks.

"Our contingency plans consider a variety of different scenarios that cover everything from terror attacks to criminal activities to mass spikes and destruction," said Cundy.