For a long time there have been plans detailing what will happen after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The protocol is codenamed "London Bridge".
Operation London Bridge is a detailed 10-day plan for the period between the Queen's death, designated as D-Day, and her funeral. The plan has been pushed back by one day, as the announcement of the Queen's death was late on Thursday 8 September 2022.
D-Day - Friday
The British government therefore declared Friday as D-Day, i.e. the beginning of a period of national mourning with "guidelines".
But on Thursday, her private secretary first informed the British Prime Minister using the pre-agreed wording "London Bridge has fallen".
This set off a chain of messages: cabinet members, ministers and secretaries of state were informed, with a request for absolute discretion. Then the message went to the media. Within ten minutes all flags on public buildings were at half-mast.
Day 1 – Saturday (D +1): New King
The eldest son of Elizabeth II became King Charles III. With the death of the queen, he automatically became king. The Crown Council formally proclaimed him king on Saturday before noon. Then the prime minister and the government have their first audience with the new king. Parliament will swear allegiance to the new king and offer condolences.
The coronation of Charles III is a special operation called "Spring Tide". And it is very possible that it will not be until spring. His mother Elizabeth II was crowned on June 2, 1953 - 16 months after she came to the throne on February 6, 1952.
Day 2 - Sunday
The coffin with the Queen's body will first be transferred from Balmoral Castle to Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh - the royal residence in Scotland, and then transferred to St. Egidius. Officials and civilians will be able to say goodbye to the queen there.
Day 3 - Monday
The casket with the remains of Elizabeth II will be transferred to Buckingham Palace where it will be met by the Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet.
Because she died at her Scottish estate of Balmoral, her remains are due to arrive in London by royal train in an operation codenamed "Unicorn." Failing that, a plane will be used.
Day 4 – Tuesday
The King will receive condolences in Westminster and will embark on a tour of the United Kingdom in the afternoon. He will visit Scotland first.
Day 5 to 9: Operations - "Lion" and "Feather"
When Charles is visiting Northern Ireland, London will be rehearsing and preparing for Operation Lion. That is a procession from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster, the seat of government. That procession will go through London the next day - Wednesday.
The ark will be there for three days. People will be able to say goodbye to the Queen 23 hours a day. That operation is called "Pero".
State funeral
The Queen's state funeral is due to take place on Sunday 18 September or Monday 19 September in Westminster. That has yet to be announced by Buckingham Palace. At noon exactly, two minutes of silence will be observed throughout the country. Employers can give their employees a day off.
After the ceremony, there will be another procession to St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, where the last farewell to the Queen will follow. She will then be buried in the King George VI Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle.
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