World Leaders in US pays respect to George HW Bush at funeral

The state funeral of former President George HW Bush held at the US National Cathedral in Washington DC where US and world leaders and dignitaries are paying respect to the late leader.

BBC reports that the body of late leader Mr Bush, which had been lying in state at the US Capitol, was moved there ahead of the funeral.

Mr Bush senior, who served as the 41st US president between 1989 and 1993, died on Friday at the age of 94.He will be buried in his home state of Texas, alongside his wife Barbara.

Mr Bush son, ex-President George W Bush has delivered the eulogies.

In his eulogy, George W Bush said his father had taught him that “public service is noble and necessary”.

“He accepted failure is part of living a full life, but taught us never to be defined by failure. He showed us how setbacks can strengthen,” he added.

The invitation-only funeral at the National Cathedral was attended by President Donald Trump and his predecessors Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter.

The Prince of Wales, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Jordan’s King Abdullah II are among the world figures there to pay their respects to Mr Bush.

Former leaders, including John Major, who was UK prime minister for most of Mr Bush’s term, also attended the event.

In States, Wednesday had been declared a national day of mourning as many government offices and US stock exchanges were closed.

After the funeral, Mr Bush’s body will be flown to Texas, where it will lie in public repose until Thursday morning.