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What happens when the Queen dies?

By Cara Emmeline Garcia
Published April 13, 2021 1:19 PM PHT

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Queen Elizabeth II


Did you know that the code for Queen Elizabeth II's death is “Operation London Bridge?” Find out what protocols would adhere if the monarch's reign comes to an end here.

On April 9, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, died at the age of 99 years old as confirmed by Buckingham Palace.

Although the senior member of the royal family has been admitted to a hospital for his pre-existing heart condition, the duke's death came as a surprise for everyone since he is the longest-reigning consort in British history. He would've turned 100 this June.

And now that the protocols for his burial have been put in place, many are wondering, what happens when the Queen dies?

The secret plan for Queen Elizabeth II's was unveiled years ago by British publication, The Guardian.

Queen Elizabeth, who is the longest-reigning monarch in British history to date, has been a constant force amidst the fast-paced changes the United Kingdom has faced, making it even more inconceivable what happens when she dies.

This brings us to “Operation London Bridge,” composed of a complex, intricate, and timed-out plan that has been in place since the 1960s.

Queen Elizabeth

Source: theroyalfamily (IG)

Phase I: D-day

According to the Guardian, when the Queen dies, her private secretary will be the first official to convey the news setting “Operation London Bridge” in full motion. The same moment she passes, her son, Prince Charles, will become King, and his wife Camilla will become his Queen consort (presumably).

Furthermore, Buckingham Palace will inform the Prime Minister that the “London Bridge is down,” and the news of her death will be distributed to various heads of state before it is made known to the public, including the British press and the world's media outlets.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip

Source: theroyalfamily (IG)

Phase 2: Mourning starts

Outside the Palace, all the British flags will be lowered, and bells will be tolled.

The parliament will also gather, and on the evening of his mother's death, Prince Charles will make his first address to the public as king.

This plan will be set to motion, assuming the Queen has died in London.

However, if Queen Elizabeth dies abroad, the royal equivalent of Air Force One will fly a coffin to the location of her death and return her body to London. If she dies in one of her palaces across the UK, her body will be brought to London by car days after her death.

Outside the Palace gates, Great Britain will enter a 12-day mourning period, culminating the Queen's funeral. Meanwhile, Charles will tour the country and make stops in Edinburgh, Belfast, and Cardiff to appear at services to honor her mother and meet with elected leaders.

Queen Elizabeth's body will then be prepared for a lavish funeral, including being moved to the Westminster Hall. The bells of Big Ben will chime, and her body will then lie in state for four days.

Her orb, scepter, and Imperial Crown will then be placed on her coffin, and the public may pay their respects to their Queen.

Phase 3: Funeral

On the morning of her funeral, the Queen's orbs, scepter, and the crown will be cleaned in preparation for the big day. Businesses will come to a close to pay respect to the monarch.

Her coffin will then be moved into Westminster Abbey starting at 11:00 a.m., while the media are present, the faces of the royals will not be shown during the prayers.

After the service, her body will then be moved to her final resting place, Windsor Castle.

theroyalfamily

Source: theroyalfamily (IG)

Phase 4: Post-Funeral

Likely within a year after the funeral, an official coronation for Charles would take place. His declaration as King will make his eldest son Prince William the heir-apparent and will be followed by his three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

All-in-all, accounting for the multiple holidays, funeral expenses, and coronation celebrations, it is estimated that the Queen's death will cost the UK billions of pounds.

In addition, many changes will also occur in the UK and the other Commonwealth realms, including the reprinting of the banknotes with the king's portrait as the Queen's currency will slowly be removed from use. The same will happen for stamps, passports, and uniforms bearing the “ER” across the country.

Furthermore, the national anthem will be changed to “God Save the King.”

Prince William and Prince Charles

Source: kensingtonroyal (IG)

Watch this video to know more about the British protocols when D-day happens: