King Felipe of Spain and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden pay their respects at the Lying-in-State

As world leaders descend on London for the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, two reigning monarchs stopped by Westminster Hall to view the late Queen Lying-in-State.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain and King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden were two royal couples who paid public tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, visiting ahead of one of the UK’s largest gatherings of world leaders, dignitaries and foreign royalty at Buckingham Palace.

The Spanish King has spoken lovingly about the late queen, calling her ‘Dear Aunt Lilibet’ in previous messages. In a letter to King Charles III released shortly after Queen Elizabeth II’s death on 8 September, he wrote that “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth has undoubtedly witnessed, written and shaped many of the most relevant chapters in the history of our world during the last seven decades.”

He added that Queen Elizabeth II’s “sense of duty, commitment, and a whole life devoted to serving the people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland set an example for all of us and will remain as a solid and valuable legacy for future generations.”

King Felipe and Queen Letizia arrived at the Spanish Embassy in London on Sunday afternoon separately from former King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia, who were pictured arriving at Buckingham Palace for the diplomatic reception.

Meanwhile, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia also paid their tributes at Westminster Hall on Sunday afternoon. The Swedish king bowed while his consort curtseyed before leaving the lying-in-state.

King Carl XVI Gustaf shared a tribute after Queen Elizabeth II’s death, writing that “She has been a constant presence, not only in British society but also internationally.

“She has always been dear to my family and a precious link in our shared family history.”

Queen Elizabeth II was a member of the Order of the Seraphim, one of Sweden’s highest honours, and on Monday to coincide with her funeral, a Seraphim Toll will be rung at Riddarholmen Church before her Seraphim Arms are processed from the Royal Palace to the Church.