Operation London Bridge - the code name for when the Queen dies - has been meticulously planned for by the government for decades. Ever since 2017, the phrase “London Bridge has fallen” will be used to signify to the Prime Minister that the Queen has passed away and will be passed along to other key people to prepare for her funeral.
The plans are coordinated through a number of government and non-government organisations, such as the Church of England, the Metropolitan Police and the Armed Forces.
The plan is thought to be as follows:
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1. The news will be released by the Queen’s Private Secretary to the Prime Minster.
2. This will then be communicated to other government departments. The Foreign Office will inform Commonwealth nations where the Queen is still their head of state.
3. Government websites and social media accounts will turn black and non-urgent news will not be communicated.
4. The public will then be informed by BBC and PA Media, who will be told through the Radio Alert Transmission System.
5. BBC Two will suspend all programs before broadcasting BBC One’s announcement. Dark clothing will be worn by BBC News presenters.
6. A footman will pin a dark-edged notice to the gates of Buckingham Palace. The Parliaments of every UK nation will then be recalled and the Prime Minister will address the House.
7. Prince Charles will then meet the Prime Minister and deliver a speech to the nation at 6pm. Flags will be flown at half-mast and books of condolences will be opened. Ceremonial items will be placed in black purses.
8. Ten days later a state funeral will be held for the Queen and she will be laid to rest at Westminster Abbey, alongside her father, King George VI. The funeral will be a day of national mourning and a two minutes silence will be held at midday.
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