The death of the Queen yesterday at Balmoral has triggered contingency plans known as Operation Unicorn.
Operation Unicorn, the codename for the plans in Scotland, provided for the eventuality that she would die at Balmoral - one of her favourite places.
Unicorns – considered a symbol of purity and innocence – are Scotland’s national animal. The mythical creature first appeared on a Scottish royal coat of arms for William I in the 12th century.
Part of the long-held London Bridge arrangements for the aftermath of the Queen's death, Unicorn sets in motion additional ceremonial events in Edinburgh ahead of moving the Queen’s coffin back to London.
The Earl Marshal is in charge of these plans. Along with the government and royal aides, they will now be adjusting the timetable to include the Scottish element, as the military, clergy and police will be focusing on running everything smoothly.
The Queen's children are already at Balmoral, having made the urgent dash yesterday. Charles - the new King - was accompanied by the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex at the monarch’s bedside.
Members of the royal family will be expected in the coming days to hold a poignant vigil around the Queen’s coffin in St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh.
Also at Balmoral are the Duke of Cambridge, now the heir to the throne, and Camilla – the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Countess of Wessex.
What happens at Balmoral today?
Initially, the Queen’s coffin is expected to be at rest in the Ballroom at Balmoral Castle – her private home in Aberdeenshire in the Scottish Highlands.
In around two days’ time, the Queen’s coffin is expected to be driven by car from Balmoral to Edinburgh.
The long, slow journey will take more than five hours as it passes through a myriad of towns and villages, watched by mourners gathered along the route.
The coffin will then rest overnight in the oak-panelled Throne Room at the Palace of Holyroodhouse – the Queen’s official residence in the Scottish capital.
The next day, in around three days' time, it is expected to be taken in a procession along the Royal Mile in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town to historic St Giles' Cathedral, where it will remain at rest for 24 hours.
Members of the royal family are expected to process behind the hearse.
Will the Queen's funeral be in Scotland?
Although a service will be held at St Giles', with the Queen's children expected to stage a vigil around the coffin, preparations for her state funeral will begin the following day.
Members of the public are expected to be allowed in to file past the Queen’s coffin to pay their respects at St Giles', before Operation Overstudy starts to kick in.
This is the transfer of Queen’s coffin by plane. The coffin will be flown to London by the RAF on a military aircraft, ahead of preparation for a lying in state.
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