When Queen Elizabeth II, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, dies, it will be announced with four simple words: “London Bridge is down.”
The phrase refers to “Operation London Bridge,” Britain’s not-so-secret plan for what to do if the monarch dies. Although the plan has been known for years, the renewed focus on the Queen’s deteriorating health brings the specifics of those plans, much of which was leaked to Politico last year, as well as how those plans could change, into sharp focus.
What happens after the announcement?
Ordinary government business will effectively halt as the UK parliament, as well as its devolved legislatures in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, adjourn. Flags will be flown at half mast in Whitehall, the London neighborhood where the British government is located. The Prime Minister will speak, and a national minute of silence will be observed. The Prime Minister and other senior ministers are expected to attend a remembrance service at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
On the same day, Prince Charles’ ascension to the throne, dubbed Operation Spring Tide, will begin. The Prime Minister will meet with Prince Charles before delivering his first broadcast to the nation at 6 p.m. local time.
When would the funeral be held?
The funeral is scheduled for 10 days after the Queen’s death. If this occurs at the Queen’s Balmoral estate in Scotland, where she is currently staying, her coffin will be transported to London by royal train (dubbed Operation UNICORN) or plane (dubbed Operation OVERSTUDY), where it will be received by the Prime Minister and other senior government figures.
There will be a procession from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster four days after the Queen’s death, where her coffin will lie in state before the funeral. The public will be able to pay their respects to the Queen here.
The state funeral will be held at Westminster Abbey, and the day will be designated as a National Day of Mourning, with a two-minute period of silence observed across the country at midday. The Queen will be buried at Windsor Castle after the funeral, alongside her late husband, Prince Philip, and her father, King George VI.
Is Prince Charles destined to become King?
At the death of his mother, Prince Charles will automatically inherit the throne, along with all the rights and responsibilities that come with it. The Accession Council will meet at 11 a.m. local time on the day after the Queen’s death to formally proclaim Charles the new sovereign. Whether he will be “King Charles III,” however, is still unclear. The new monarch, whose full name is Charles Philip Arthur George, may prefer to be known by a different name. In accordance with his mother’s wishes, his wife, Camilla, will take the title Queen Consort.
Following his coronation, Prince Charles will meet with Prime Minister David Cameron and the Cabinet before embarking on a tour of the United Kingdom, beginning in Scotland.
Culled from Times
