Ben Roberts-Smith to attend Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in London

Ben Roberts-Smith will attend funeral commemorations for Queen Elizabeth II in London next week as a recipient of the Victoria Cross medal.

Ben Roberts-Smith will travel to London for the Queen’s funeral, the decorated veteran has confirmed. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

Ben Roberts-Smith will travel to London for the Queen’s funeral, the decorated veteran has confirmed.

Mr Roberts-Smith, who is awaiting the outcome of a defamation trial he launched against several mastheads for publishing accusations that he committed war crimes, which he denies, said he was invited to the funeral as a recipient of the Victoria Cross.

“I feel deeply saddened by Her Majesty’s passing, I had an immense respect for her and she was someone I admired greatly,” Mr Roberts-Smith said in a statement to NCA NewsWire on Tuesday.

“In every interaction I had with the Queen she was warm, insightful and engaging. She was a magnificent monarch, a stoic leader, and importantly just a lovely lady.

Ben Roberts-Smith was invited to Buckingham Palace in 2011 after he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

“I feel extremely honoured to be fortunate enough to pay my respects to the Queen and humbled that she saw fit to include the Victoria Cross recipients in her funeral procession.”

The Queen reportedly made arrangements to invite recipients of the Victoria Cross when planning her funeral.

It’s the highest award in the British honours system, awarded for valour “in the presence of the enemy”.

Mr Roberts-Smith received the Australian version of the award in 2011 for actions during a battle in Afghanistan in 2010.

A judge overseeing Mr Roberts-Smith’s defamation trial against Nine newspapers heard final arguments from both sides in late July and is still considering his verdict.

Mr Roberts-Smith will attend the Queen’s funeral. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dylan Coker

Mr Roberts-Smith‘s lawyers are hoping a finding in his favour will clear his name and land the largest defamation payout in history.

On the other hand, a finding for Nine could be vindication of their claims that he killed unarmed prisoners.

The Queen’s state funeral at London’s Westminster Abbey will take place on Monday.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will attend alongside partner Jodie Haydon, Governor-General David Hurley and his wife Linda, and acting high commissioner to the UK Lynette Wood.

Mr Albanese said Buckingham Palace had also requested that 10 “everyday” Australians who had made contributions to their local communities be invited.

That group includes wheelchair tennis star Dylan Alcott and several people who have received local hero awards. They will travel on Mr Albanese’s VIP jet to London.