the embarrassing leak of the protocol planned for his death

The Queen of England is still in good health despite her 95 years. But everything is already ready for the day of his death. From the official announcement of his death to his funeral, including the proclamation of Prince Charles as king, everything is planned. And everything was supposed to be kept a secret. But the magazine Politico had access to a series of documents detailing Operation London Bridge, the code name of the protocol triggered by the death of Elizabeth II. According to The Mirror, an investigation was also opened to understand how so much information could have escaped. According to the first elements communicated by the English newspaper, the leak could come from Whitehall, which is none other than the seat of the British government. However, Buckingham did not deny the information revealed by Politico, suggesting that Operation London Bridge was really going to unfold that way. Prince Charles, who will be proclaimed king the next day, will not have much time to mourn his mother serenely.

The Prime Minister will be contacted by the private secretary the Queen

When the Queen takes her last breath, her private secretary will himself inform the Prime Minister in office at that time. Several calls will then be made to warn each minister and each ministerial secretary, ordered to remain silent until the official announcement of the royal family and the half-masting of the flags of Whitehall, which should not take more than ten minutes.

With the advent of social networks, royalty had to adapt the protocol, in fact ready for years. All accounts will display a black banner, and the Royal Family’s official website will be just a black page with a brief statement confirming the Queen’s death.

The Queen’s body will be repatriated to Buckingham

Different plans are planned depending on the place of death of Elizabeth II. If she dies at Buckingham Palace, Operation “Lion” – for the procession of her coffin to Westminster on D + 4 – will take place. If, on the other hand, she were to die in Sandringham (Norfolk) her coffin would be repatriated by the royal train. If she dies at Balmoral, Operation “Unicorn” should be set up, if repatriation by train is possible, or Operation “Overstudy” if a plane has to be chartered for the occasion. In any case, a government delegation, headed by the Prime Minister, would welcome his remains on arrival in London.

What is Operation “Spring Tide”, which concerns Charles?

Between D-Day and D + 10 (day of the royal funeral), Prince Charles will hardly have a minute of his own. Operation “Spring Tide”, concerning his accession to the throne, has several stages. He will first be proclaimed king on D + 1, then he will have to address the nation the same evening. Then, he will go on a tour of the countries of the United Kingdom to receive, in particular, the condolences of each State representative. Starting with Scotland.

The funeral of Elizabeth II will close this period of 10 days of national mourning. Two minutes of silence will be held at midday. The ceremony will then take place in Westminster Abbey, after which the Queen will be buried alongside her husband Prince Philip at Windsor Castle.