Russia slams 'deeply immoral' Queen funeral snub

Moscow has blasted Britain for not inviting Russian officials to the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, calling the decision "deeply immoral".

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the UK foreign office notified Moscow invitations to the Queen's funeral were not sent to Russian officials due to the conflict in Ukraine.

"We regard this attempt to use a national tragedy ... for geopolitical goals and to settle scores with our country as deeply immoral," Zakharova said in a statement, accusing Britain of siding with "the Nazis and their Ukrainian accomplices".

"We have to say that the example of Elizabeth II, who was a very strong unifying force and did not interfere in politics during her reign as a matter of principle, has not stopped London from making divisive statements in furtherance of its opportunistic aims."

Invitations to the Queen's funeral have not been sent to Russia or Belarus against the backdrop of the invasion of Ukraine, Britain's national news agency the Press Association reported.

Myanmar, Syria, Venezuela and Afghanistan have also not been offered invitations to the state funeral scheduled for Monday.

North Korea, Nicaragua and Iran have been invited only at ambassadorial level.

Elizabeth II died last Thursday at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, with her eldest son Charles automatically becoming the new king.

Numerous heads of state and government from all over the world, including an Australian delegation led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, are expected to attend the funeral for the Queen.

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will reaffirm the strong relationship between Australia and the UK when he meets with King Charles III ahead of the Queen's funeral.

Mr Albanese will touch down in London on Friday night before he has an audience with the new head of state on Saturday.

"No doubt we'll also talk about the relationship with Australia - he (the King) has a strong relationship," Mr Albanese said before leaving Sydney.

"He finished his high schooling in Victoria and has had many visits here to Australia.

"We both are very strong democracies, we have very similar traditions, and it will be important to strengthen the relationship in the future."

With DPA and AAP

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