Plans are reported to be in place for national protocols that will be enacted in the event of the death of Queen Elizabeth II – a plan known as Operation London Bridge. The hugely detailed plan has everything in place from the very moment the Queen passes away.
From flag etiquette, to days of mourning, the protocols cover every base of life after the announcement that much of the public will find devastating.
What happens when the Queen dies?
On the day of her death, the Prime Minister will be one of the first to be informed of the monarch’s passing. This message will be delivered by Queen’s Private Secretary and sent to members of the Privy Council Office.
MPs and senior civil servants will receive a call and an email stating: “Dear colleagues, It is with sadness that I write to inform you of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.”
This will sit in tandem with an announcement on social media and flags are to be at half-mast within 10 minutes of the news.
On the day of the Queen’s death, the soon-to-be crowned King Charles will address the nation in a televised broadcast.
The Prime Minister will hold an audience with Charles, while the Ministry of Defence will organise gun salutes and a minute of silence will be held across the country.
Day two
The following morning, POLITICO reports, members of the Accession Council will name Charles the new king and a proclamation will be read out at St James’ Palace and the Royal Exchange.
Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin will return to Buckingham Palace. The method of travel depends on where she dies, if at Sandringham, her body will be taken by royal train to St Pancras where the PM and cabinet members will be waiting.
Days 3-4
These days will see King Charles set off on his UK tour, visiting the Scottish Parliament and St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, then Northern Ireland’s Hillsborough Castle and a service at St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast.
Down in London, meticulous rehearsals for the funeral will be taking place.
Day 5
On the fifth day, a procession will begin, starting at Buckingham Palace and ending at the Houses of Parliament, then a service will be held at Westminster Hall.
The Queen will then lie in state for three days, as members of the public visit to see her coffin.
Days 6-9
King Charles will visit the Welsh Parliament and service at Cardiff’s Liandaff Cathedral.
Source: plymouthherald
