Details Of Protocol That Will Follow After Queen Passes Away

Jun 15, 2021 by apost team

Queen Elizabeth II has had an incredibly long and record-breaking reign as the monarch of the United Kingdom and the 15 Commonwealth realms. Just this year on Feb. 6, she added another year to her reign making her the ruling monarch for 69 years and counting. 

Last year, when she hit 68 years, she surpassed the 7th-century Mayan ruler Pakal the Great to become the fourth longest-serving monarch. She's only bested by three other rulers including Louis XIV of France, Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, and Johann II of Liechtenstein. The longest reign stands at 72 years and 110 days, with many believing the queen could make it to the top spot.

But that's not the only title Elizabeth holds — she's already the longest-reigning British monarch, a feat she achieved in Sep. 2015. In fact, she's got titles aplenty — the longest-lived British monarch, the longest-reigning current monarch, and the world's longest-serving female head of state in history, among others. She even held a title with her beloved late husband Prince Philip, as their 73-year-marriage was the longest in the British monarchy.

Despite her incredibly long and impressive reign, sadly, it is inevitable that the queen will pass away one day and that day will more than likely be within the next decade, considering she is already 95 years old. Though it's a morbid topic, as it concerns the kingdom, there is actually already a plan in place for what will happen when she dies. Given the code name "Operation London Bridge," here are some details of the secret plan that's in place for when Queen Elizabeth II does pass away.

For anyone who has watched Netflix's royal drama series "The Crown" will be aware that Queen Elizabeth, who was then a princess, was being primed for her future role as queen even while her father was still alive. In fact, even in 1951 — two years before her coronation in 1953 — she was already standing in for her father on some occasions when he was ill. Furthermore, her private secretary drafted an ascension declaration when she was on tour in Canada that same year in the chance that the king would die while she was abroad.

Royal tradition dictates that a suitable amount of time should pass after a monarch has died before the succeeding monarch is given a coronation. In Elizabeth's case, her coronation fell in June 1953, just shy of 16 months after her father's death in Feb. 1952. What's more, her coronation was the first one to ever be broadcasted.

"Operation London Bridge"

Created in the 1960s, "Operation London Bridge" is the secret plan for when Queen Elizabeth II passes away. Updated often, Her Majesty even had a hand in its creation and made several major decisions herself. Depending on where she dies, there are different procedures that should take place. If the queen is to die anywhere other than Buckingham Palace, then her body is to be brought back immediately. However, there is one exception — if she dies while in her summer home in Balmoral, Scotland. In that case, a Scottish ritual is to be performed at the royal residence before her body is taken to Buckingham Palace via the royal train.  

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The phrase "London Bridge is down" will be communicated by civil servants to every nation in the Commonwealth. Additionally, government officials in the U.K. will represent their mourning by donning black armbands. Interestingly, most news outlets will already have their obituaries and headlines ready. When it comes to very famous people such as the queen, it's common practice for journalists to already have such texts prepared so that they can publish the news immediately.

Charles Will Be Proclaimed King 24 Hours Later

Just one day after the queen dies, her eldest son Prince Charles will be proclaimed King Charles III. Queen Elizabeth's body will be escorted to Westminster Abbey via military parade and the official mourning period will begin, which could last around 10 days. However, although he'll be proclaimed king just one day later, Charles' coronation won't take place until some time after, though it's likely it will only be a few months after his mother's death.

Another big difference will be the ages at which Elizabeth and Charles each ascend the throne. While Elizabeth was rather young at 25 when she began her reign, Charles will likely be in his 70s when he becomes king. He also might differ from his mother by taking up a new name rather than using his birth name. The two previous kings named Charles didn't have great track records — one was beheaded and the other was rather promiscuous. Therefore it's been reported that Charles might take up the name King George VII. 

And while Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall is expected to be referred to as "princess consort" upon Charles' ascension, it has been rumored that she may even be called "Queen Camilla." Even if that's not the case, it's likely she'll be given a new title just as Prince Philip was.

It will remain there for four days after her death, where international crowds will be able to mourn and pay their respects. As a large number of people are expected, the Abbey will stay open for 23 hours a day. Furthermore, Queen Elizabeth's funeral will be a nationwide event in the United Kingdom, making it a national day of mourning. Shops, markets, and even the stock market are expected to close on the day out of respect.

The Public Will Have A Chance To Attend The Various Ceremonies

While only about 10,000 tickets are expected to be released for the various ceremonies that will take place — such as Elizabeth's funeral and Charles' coronation — it does mean that the public will have a chance of attending. 

Prince Charles Will Address The World Quickly

It's expected that Charles will address the public either on the evening of Queen Elizabeth's death or the evening when he becomes king, in a speech that will be broadcast around the world. Following his crowning, Charles will then tour the U.K., which will allow him to attend services for the queen, while also meeting with members of the government and public. 

Funeral Traditions

The queen's funeral won't be held until nine days after her death, at which time the crown jewels will be put on public display. Her body will then be taken to Windsor Castle and put in the royal vault. Inside the chapel, as the coffin descends to the royal vault, Charles will drop a handful of red earth onto the coffin from a silver bowl. Meanwhile, a leather pad will be placed on Big Ben's bell so that its ringing will be muffled.

Did you know about the elaborate plan in place for when Queen Elizabeth dies? If you found this article interesting, then be sure to pass it on to those you know.