Thatcher Funeral Set for April 17

Funeral preparations began Tuesday for former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, who died Monday at the age of 87. Thatcher’s body was removed from the Ritz Hotel, where she had been staying, just after midnight Tuesday and, accompanied by a police escort, taken to an undisclosed location. Her funeral has been set for April 17. Thatcher did not want a full state funeral, having once said that a military aircraft fly-over for her funeral would be a “waste of money.” The prime minister’s office said friends and colleagues of Thatcher’s will attend a private service that will be televised at St. Paul’s Cathedral, followed by a private cremation. Both Houses of Parliament have called recess and will pay tribute to Thatcher on Wednesday.