The moment Queen Elizabeth II died was also when the plan codenamed “Operation London Bridge” was activated about Britain’s next steps.
“Operation London Bridge” is the name of a plan built over decades to prepare for the scenario of the Queen’s death.
The plan, as explained by the Guardian in a 2017 article, shows what will happen when Britain and the world face the loss of a leader beloved almost across the globe.
‘London Bridge collapsed’
The first thing that happens after the Queen’s death is that her private secretary will contact British Prime Minister Liz Truss. Information about the Queen’s departure will then continue to be transmitted over secure British government communication channels, with the encrypted message “London Bridge collapsed”.
First, the information will be distributed by the British Press Association to all media outlets around the world. Buckingham Palace also announced the Queen’s death on social media.
As the news spread widely, the prepared obituary was announced on television by broadcasters in black. Pilots will also announce the Queen’s death on all aircraft in service at the time.
Leverton & Sons is the undertaker of funeral services for the royal family and always has an “emergency coffin” available for any call from Buckingham Palace.
At the time of her death, the Queen was at Balmoral Castle, Scotland, so her body will be transferred to London on a royal train.
Both the House of Commons and the House of Commons will meet as soon as possible.
Before the funeral
The Dukes of Norfolk have presided over royal funerals since 1672 and as such the 17th Duke of Norfolk, Earl of Marshal, will preside over Queen Elizabeth II ‘s funeral . They will have a permanent office at St. James to direct the funeral-related work until the last day.
During the 10-day period of national mourning, the Queen’s coffin will be laid to rest at Westminster Abbey.
During and after the funeral
On the 9th day after the Queen’s death, a funeral will be held at Westminster Abbey .
The day of the Queen’s funeral will likely become a national holiday and the London Stock Exchange and most British banks will be closed.
On the morning of the funeral, the bell hammer at the Big Ben clock tower will be wrapped in leather so it doesn’t make a sound and 41 farewell cannons will be fired from Hyde Park.
When the ceremony begins, underground lines across London will stop announcing, buses will also pull to the side of the road.
The day after the Queen’s death, the Coronation Council will meet at St James’s Palace and Prince Charles will be crowned King.
The Duchess of Cornwall, wife of Prince Charles, will officially become Queen.