Beatrix and Mabel on their way to Ghana

- Princess Beatrix and Princess Mabel are on their way to Accra, the capital of Ghana. Thursday there will be the funeral of Kofi Annan, the former secretary general of the United Nations. Annan had close ties with the royal family and worked with the organization of 'wise old-statesmen' by Nelson Mandela \u0026 # x27; The Elsewhere closely with Princess Mabel.

The mortal remains of Annan, who died on August 18 after a brief illness, were transferred from Monday on board of a UN plane to Ghana. After arriving at the Kotoka International Airport, where President Nana Akufo-Addo was present, the UN flag covering the coffin was swapped for the flag of Ghana.

Then the remains were driven to the Accra International Conference Center, where the population could say goodbye. In the Ghanaian media people expressed their disappointment on Tuesday that the coffin was closed, contrary to what is customary. The long time between death and funeral was related, according to officials.

The funeral ceremony, which includes the Norwegian crown princess Mette-Marit, also takes place in the Conference Center, after which Kofi Annan is buried in a private ceremony at the military cemetery Buma Camp.