On Sunday 18 September at noon, Polish President Andrzej Duda, accompanied by his wife Agata Kornauser-Duda and the Polish ambassador Piotr Wilczek, honoured Queen Elizabeth II in the Hall of the Palace of Westminster. Shortly after, the President wrote a message in the book of condolence published after the death of Elizabeth II. 

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At 3 PM, the Polish head of state met with the UK’s recently appointed Prime Minister Liz Truss at 10 Downing Street. Poland’s Chair of the Office for Foreign Affairs Jakub Kumoch, informed the media that the discussion focused on “security issues and future Polish-British cooperation in the face of the Ukrainian conflict.” He emphasised that both sides are “determined to help Ukraine and repel the Russian threat”. 

During a press conference following his meeting with the British PM, Andrzej Duda expressed his satisfaction regarding the talks they held. “Ms Truss’ invitation shows that there is a willingness to deepen further and strengthen our mutual relations […] It was a very good meeting during which we discussed our common security strategy, the coordination of help for Ukraine, as well as our close collaboration with the United States, and our common efforts in supporting the Baltic States […] We also spoke about economic matters as well as energetic issues” – he explained. 

The Polish President was one of five foreign leaders who held brief meetings with the head of the British government on the occasion of the Queen’s funeral. The other guests were the prime ministers of Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Canada.

At 6 PM, the Polish leader and his wife participated in a reception given by King Charles III for heads of state and heads of government in Buckingham Palace. 

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On Monday, from 11 AM, the Polish presidential couple attended the Queen’s funeral.  

Image: Twitter @BPM_KPRP