Queen Elizabeth II, who is the longest-serving monarch in British history passed away on Thursday at the age of 96.
Elizabeth II served as Britain’s monarch for the better part of seven decades.
However, since she contracted COVID-19 earlier this year, there have been longstanding concerns in regard to her overall health.
Nonetheless, the British government has measures in place to handle the Monarch’s tragic passing when it comes to pass.
‘Operation London Bridge’ is the name given to the plan should the Queen pass in England.
However, in this case, Britain will implement Operation Unicorn as it governs how to handle the Queen’s death should it occur in Scotland.
Operation London Bridge
When the Queen’s death is confirmed, her private secretary, on the day of her death known as D-day, will call the Prime Minister and inform her that “London Bridge is down” to signify the Monarch’s passing.
The news of the Queen’s passing is then distributed to the 15 countries where she happens to be the Head of State. These are: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Tuvalu.
Moreover, announcement of her death will be relayed to all Commonwealth nations while an alert on the same will be sent out to the UK Press Association and media all over the world.
For instance, at the BBC, an alarm for national emergencies, which is rarely ever used, will be activated. Anchors will only be allowed to clad in black attire as well. Moreover, the red logo which is BBC’s trademark will go black while its radio stations will only play inoffensive music.
Meanwhile at the Buckingham Palace, a footman in mourning clothes will hang a flyer outside to inform the public of the Queen’s death.
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Furthermore, the Royal family will also relay the same information on its official website.
All the flags in England will be lowered to half-mast while all statesmen will be required to don a three-and-a-quarter-inch black armband on their left arm.
Nonetheless, as soon as the Queen’s death is confirmed, her son Charles will unofficially become the King of England. Charles is also required to make an address as Head-of-State on the same day.
Additionally, a day after her passing, all flags in England will be raised again and at 11 am as Charles will officially become King.
After ascending the throne, Charles can choose to keep or change his name while his wife Camilla automatically becomes Queen.
Charles will then do rounds across the UK and precisely in any events that honor his mother’s passing that are held in Edinburgh, Belfast and Cardiff.
Meanwhile, the Westminister Hall will be closed to allow for the Queen’s funeral preparations.
Four days after her death there will be a procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminister Hall, where she will lie in state for a further four days
VIPs will be allowed to visit her first before other members of the public. At least 500,000 people are expected to pay the Queen respect as she lies in state.
Nevertheless, the Queen’s funeral will take place exactly nine days after her death announcement. In addition, on the ninth day, at 9 am, bells covered in leather pads will ring in muffled tones.
The coffin is then carried to Westminister Abbey where the funeral will begin at 11 am. 2000 guests will attend the event in person while the rest of the world tune in via their TVs.
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Proceedings from the funeral will be televised except for any shots that capture the Royal family members’ faces during prayer sessions that form part of the funeral service.
Furthermore, after the funeral, the Queen’s body will be transported to Windsor Castle where she will be buried next to her husband Prince Philip and her father King George VI
