Argentina ambassador declines invite to Thatcher funeral

Argentina's ambassador to London has declined an invitation to attend the funeral of Margaret Thatcher, Downing Street said today.

No 10 invited Alicia Castro to tomorrow's proceedings but did not extend an invitation to President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.

Prime minister David Cameron’s official spokesman said the decision to refuse was a “matter for the Argentine ambassador”.

It comes amid increased attention on the international guestlist for the ceremony, particularly attendees from the United States.

Downing Street insisted that Mr Cameron was not disappointed with Washington’s decision not to send currently serving senior politicians to the ceremonial funeral.