George H.W. Bush to be honoured in state funeral

Former U.S. president George H.W. Bush will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda next week.

The 41st president died late Friday, less than a year after the passing of his wife of 73 years, Barbara Bush.

The White House announced Bush will be honoured with a state funeral and said President Donald Trump and first ladyMelaniaTrump will attend a service at Washington's National Cathedral.

The leaders of Congress from both parties say an arrival ceremony will be held for the former president on Monday at 5 p.m. ET. He will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda from Monday evening through Wednesday morning.

Bush will then be laid to rest Thursday on the grounds of his presidential library at Texas A&M University.

The school announced Saturday Bush will be buried at the family plot next to his wife Barbara, who died in April, and their three-year-old daughter Robin, who died in 1953.

Texas A&M University President Michael Young says no classes will be held on the day of Bush's burial.

Bush didn't attend Texas A&M, but in 1991 chose the campus as the library's site. The campus is located about 150 kilometres northwest of Houston, where Bush lived.

Trump also orderedfederal offices to be closed Wednesday to honour Bush.

Trump signed an executive order Saturday, a day after Bush's death, directing federal agencies and departments to close "as a mark of respect for George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st president of the United States."

Trump had already proclaimed Wednesday a national day of mourning.