Papua New Guinea's Sir William Skate will be the first former prime minister to have a state burial at Independence Hill.
Port Moresby's Independence Hill has just become the official burial ground for the country's prime ministers.
Close aide Susuve Laumaea said the family had wanted a private funeral but have since changed their mind.
The body of Sir William will lie in State at the National Parliament tomorrow (weds) for public viewing, before the funeral on Thursday.
The Post Courier reports the government isdue to decide today whether Thursday will be declared a public holiday as a national day of mourning.
