The Queen is dead. UK is black in respect to the Queen’s passing. Queen Elizabeth II, 96, was on the throne for 70 years, making her the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
Following the Queen’s death, Operation LONDON BRIDGE will immediately be activated. In case you are not aware, Operation LONDON BRIDGE is a step-by-step plan the UK government has prepared for years detailing what is to be done once Queen Elizabeth II dies.
Here is what is expected to happen in 10 days after Queen Elizabeth’s death:
1. D-Day – first day of Queen Elizabeth’s death
The first day of the Queen’s death, aptly termed the “D-Day”, is quite significant and leads to a chain of activities.
i. As soon as the Queen is confirmed dead, her private secretary will put a call through to the prime minister to inform her of the news. According to reports and confirmation by Politico, the secretary will say: “London Bridge is down” and the prime minister will immediately understand.
ii. The royal household will then issue an official statement informing the staff, civil servants, and the public of the queen’s death. The news of the Queen’s passing will also be announced through a short message on the Press Association wire.
iii. Flags all over the Whitehall will be lowered to half-mast. This is done within 10 minutes of the Queen’s passing, according to a confirmatory report from Politico.
iv. The Ministry of Defence will arrange for gun salutes and a national minute of silence will be announced all over the UK. A service of remembrance will also be arranged at London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral on the same day.
v. According to the law, the prime minister will be the first member of the government to make a statement on the Queen’s death. She will hold an audience with Prince Charles, who will deliver a broadcast to the nation.
vi. All official UK government’s online platforms, including the royal family’s website and the U.K. government website as well as all official social media pages will adopt a black background.
2. D-Day+1 – the second day of Queen Elizabeth’s death
The next morning after Queen Elizabeth’s death, Prince Charles, the heir apparent to the British throne, will be sworn in as the new sovereign by the Accession Council.
3. D-Day+2 – the third day of Queen Elizabeth’s death
On the third day, the decorated royal casket containing the Queen’s body will be transported to Buckingham Palace. Because the Queen died at the Balmoral Castle, in Scotland (her beloved summer home in the Scottish Highlands), Operation UNICORN will be activated, meaning her coffin will be transported to London by a royal train. In case something happens that makes this train journey impossible or problematic, Operation OVERSTUDY will come into effect, and the Queen’s coffin will be flown by air.
The prime minister and all UK ministers will be on the ground to welcome the Queen’s casket upon arrival at Buckingham Palace.
4. D-Day+3 to D-Day+5 – fourth to the sixth day of Queen Elizabeth’s death
Charles, now King Charles, will continue to receive condolences at Westminster Hall. The new King of Britain will then start his tour of the United Kingdom as its new monarch.
5. D-Day+6 to D-Day+9 – seventh to 10th day of Queen Elizabeth’s death
Operation LION comes into effect and the queen’s coffin will be carried from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster. A service will be held in Westminster Hall upon the arrival of the Queen’s body. Queen Elizabeth II will lie in state at Westminster Hall in the Palace of Westminster for three days in what is being called Operation FEATHER.
For 23 hours each day, visitors will be able to pay their respects to the late Queen. The Queen will finally be buried the following day.
