What happens when the Queen dies?

Buckingham Palace was claimed to be enraged by a September 2021 leak that exposed the preparations for ‘Operation London Bridge,’ the plans for when the Queen dies.

The records obtained by Politico revealed a meticulously planned procedure for when Britain’s longest-reigning queen, who is marking her Platinum Jubilee this year, takes over the throne to Prince Charles.

The Prime Minister will be told on the day itself, however it is unclear whether this would be done using the code ‘London Bridge has fallen,’ as has been rumoured since the 1960s.

The public will then be informed via a press release on the Press Association wire, allowing news organisations to cover the story.

The Prime Minister will next deliver a speech, followed by the new King Charles’ public address.

Day one

When the accession council, which comprises key government leaders, meets the day after the Queen dies, Charles will be officially proclaimed king.

The Prime Minister and other top government officials will be invited, but no decorations will be worn.

Tributes will be paid in the House of Commons, after which legislative work will be postponed for ten days.

Day two

The Queen’s coffin will return to Buckingham Palace. If she dies at Sandringham the PM and cabinet ministers will meet her coffin at St Pancras station.

Two alternative operations are available depending on where the Queen dies:

• Operation Unicorn – the Queen dies at Balmoral and her body will be carried to London by train.
• Operation Overstudy – the Queen dies at Balmoral and her body will be carried to London by plane.

Day three

King Charles will begin a tour of the UK, starting with a visit to the Scottish Parliament.

Day four

The new King will arrive in Northern Ireland.

Day five

The coffin will be carried in procession from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster, where a ceremony will be held.

Days six to nine

From days six to nine, the Queen will lie in state in Westminster Hall, which will be open 23 hours a day.

On day seven, King Charles will travel to Wales for a service in Cardiff.

Day ten

The funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey, with a two-minute moment of silence at noon.

The Queen’s corpse will be transported to Windsor Castle and interred in the King George VI Memorial Chapel.