Thousands gather to mourn Silvio Berlusconi at state funeral in Milan

Thousands of Italians gathered to mourn Silvio Berlusconi at his state funeral on Wednesday 14 June.

The former prime minister was honoured with applause as his casket was carried into Milan’s Duomo cathedral.

Many who had gathered also waved flags as the funeral procession arrived.

However, the occasion has proved controversial in Italy, with many furious that a state funeral is being bestowed upon Berlusconi, who was scarred by multiple scandals.

Wednesday was also declared a national day of mourning, to mark the passing of the nation’s most polarising modern political figure.