Watch: Italians pay their respects ahead of former PM Silvio Berlusconi’s funeral
Watch as Italian people pay their respects at the villa of former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi on Tuesday (13 June) following his death at the age of 86.
Italy's longest-serving premier, who led four governments across three spells as prime minister, died on Monday.
Local Italian media reported that Mr Berlusconi passed away after being admitted to hospital last Friday.
A Downing Street spokesperson paid tribute to the former Italian leader, praising how Mr Berlusconi "made a huge impact on Italian politics over several decades.
"Our thoughts are with the Italian people and his family," they added.
Mr Berlusconi's last few years in office were tarnished by allegations of corruption and sex scandals.
Tales of "bunga bunga" sex parties at his lavish villa outside Milan surrounded the former prime minister, and he was accused of having unlawful sex with a 17-year-old nightclub dancer known as “Ruby the Heartstealer” but was acquitted on appeal.
Several women testified that the "bunga bunga" parties were “elegant dinners”.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies