The Government has defended the lavish plans for Baroness Thatcher's funeral after a poll showed major opposition to using taxpayers' money to pay for it.
A ComRes survey found that only 25% of people think the event should be funded form the public purse and that 60% are against the idea.
But Tory Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude, who is one of the organisers of Wednesday's ceremonial service, insisted it had to be a fitting event for a very great lady.
He told Sky News that the ceremony would be a fitting send-off and argued that the involvement of the armed forces was not over the top in any way.
Speaking on the Murnaghan show, he said: Of course, with any funeral of any former prime minister the state inevitably plays a big role.
Normally there would be a funeral followed by a memorial service. She was very adamant that she didn't want that, she wanted a single service. So this needs to be a fitting event for a very great lady.
Amid fears protests could mar the funeral next week, Mr Maude also urged critics of Lady Thatcher to be respectful.
It is a free country. People must be free to express their views, he said, but added: I would simply ask that they respect the wishes of the mourners for this event to take place in a dignified way.
Lady Thatcher said she did not want a state funeral, but she has been given the next highest honour: a ceremonial funeral with full military honours tailored to her.
With all the the pageantry of a state funeral, it is set to be the largest in Britain since the Queen Mother's, bringing to the fore the issue of who will pay.
The former prime minister's estate will contribute with the taxpayer picking up the rest of the tab.
Downing Street has refused to give details about the cost until after the ceremony but it is expected to run into several million.
