Anthony Albanese departs for Queen’s funeral in London with Australia’s invitees

The PM boarded a plane to London last night with Pacific leaders and a sprinkling of celebrities. But one invitee to the Queen’s funeral didn’t make it.

Anthony Albanese has left Sydney to travel to Britain to represent Australia at the Queen’s funeral.

The Royal Australian Air Force flight took off late on Thursday night in Australia and should arrive in Britain early on Friday, UK time.

But one invitee to the funeral didn't make it and is now “unable to attend,” waylaid by illness.

Champion horse trainer Chris Waller is one of 10 Australians (excluding dignitaries) who received an invitation to the Queen’s funeral.

Mr Waller, the thoroughbred trainer of champion horse Winx, looked after many of the Queen’s horses and built a close relationship with Her Majesty over the years.

He had said it was a “huge honour” to attend.

“I’ve been inundated with messages and well-wishes and … it’s just very humbling experience that’s about to take place, and all for an amazing lady,” he said of the invite.

Mr Waller would sometimes chat to the Queen on the phone about horses.

However, Covid-19 has ruined his plans.

Chris Waller will no longer make it to the funeral despite having an invite. Picture: Wendell Teodoro/Getty Images for ATC

“Unfortunately due to Covid-19 related reasons I am unable to attend the funeral.

“Like so many others I will live and cherish for the rest of my life the fond memories I have of Her Majesty; her love of horses and all animals; her passion for life and the respect she gave everyday people”.

Please see below a statement in relation to the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. pic.twitter.com/vzQ4Owv93I

— Chris Waller Racing (@cwallerracing) September 15, 2022

Guest hitches a ride after missing flight

There was also a surprise guest on the private jet.

The Prime Minster is accompanied by his partner Jodie Hayden.

Governor-General David Hurley is travelling to London as are Australia’s 10 hand-picked guests including Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott.

Several leaders of Pacific Commonwealth nominations are also hitching a ride following an offer from Mr Albanese.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon are seen boarding an RAAF aircraft at Sydney Airport, for London for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral. Picture: AAP Image/Dean Lewins

The UK Government had asked world leaders to arrive by commercial aircraft where possible.

However the Australian Government said it would not be following that directive using RAAF aircraft instead.

“They’re long standing plans for myself and the Governor-General to travel to London and we’ll be doing so on Thursday night,” Mr Albanese told the ABC.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles cited security concerns as the reason for eschewing Qantas.

Surprise guests on board the modified Airbus A330 are horse racing royalty Gai Waterhouse and husband Robbie.

The pair were invited independently of Australia’s ticket allocation but reportedly couldn’t get a seat on a regularly scheduled flight. The pair hopped on board the Airbus instead.

Officials from the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu and Samoa are also travelling to London courtesy of Australia.

All except Samoa are, like Australia, Commonwealth realms with King Charles III now as head of state.

Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott AO is on-board. Picture: Martin Ollman/Getty Images

Gai Waterhouse AO also hitched a lift after she was unable to get a commercial plane ticket. Picture: Scott Barbour/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Ben Roberts-Smith makes his own way

It has also emerged that army veteran Ben Roberts-Smith, who is in the middle of defamation case with Nine Entertainment, is on his way to the funeral from Brisbane. Although he is flying commercial.

The Queen had asked that all Victoria Cross recipients such as Mr Roberts-Smith, be invited.

While the primary activity of the trip is to farewell the Queen, her deaths also gives an unexpected opportunity to do a bit of diplomacy.

Mr Albanese will attend a reception with King Charles on Sunday. He will also have a one-on-one with Australia’s new monarch. He is also expected to meet his UK counterpart Liz Truss.

Soldier Ben Roberts Smith arriving at Brisbane International Airport to fly to London. Picture: KHAP / BACKGRID

‘Everyday Australians’ who made the cut

It’s very likely Mr Albanese will get the chance to rub shoulders with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern and US President Joe Biden.

But 10 “everyday” Australians have also been invited to the funeral alongside the PM, Governor-General and the Australian High Commissioner to London.

Alcott, who famously made the Queen giggle during a candid Zoom call after being named Australian of the Year is among those picked.

In addition, Valmai Dempsey – the 2022 Senior Australian of the Year, Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Baumann – 2021 Senior Australian of the Year, Shanna Whan – the 2022 Local Hero of the Year, Saba Abraham – a local hero from Queensland, Kim Smith – a local hero from Tasmania, Trudy Lin – the 2022 Young Australian of the Year, Danny Abdallah – a co-creator of i4give Day and Foundation, and Professor Helen Milroy – the 2021 Western Australian of the Year have been invited.

Mr Albanese said Buckingham Palace asked that the 10 invitees be “everyday citizens who make contributions to their local communities”.

“The Australians who have been invited, I think, embody an extraordinary contribution to our nation.”