Flags will be lowered to half-mast across the nation
Operation London Bridge is now in effect after the passing of the Queen.
It was announced today that the Queen had died, with a statement from the Royal Family explaining that the 96-year-old had passed away at her home at Balmoral.
Announcing Her Majesty’s passing, a post from the Royal Family’s official Twitter account said: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
“The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/VfxpXro22W
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022
This means that Operation London Bridge is now underway, beginning a 10-day mourning period leading up to the Queen’s funeral and Charles ascension to the throne.
Preparation for the handling of the passing of a head of state, particularly when it comes to notifying key public figures and the public, is carefully planned in advance.
In a series of documents obtained by POLITICO last year, the security plan is outlined in full, detailing everything from how the news of the monarch’s death would be shared to the public to how quickly Prince Charles will ascend the throne.
Operation London Bridge, as it is known, suggests that a “call cascade” will take place hours after the monarch’s death to inform the prime minister, the cabinet secretary, and several senior ministers and government officials.
An email was then sent out, at which point flags across Whitehall are to be lowered to half-mast.
The public are told by an “official notification” delivered by the royal household, the documents state, and pilots have informed passengers on flights in the air when the news was announced.
Prime Minister Liz Truss is also set to make a statement to the nation.
The UK Parliament will adjourn, as will devolved legislatures in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and the Prime Minister will make a statement.
MPs will offer tributes to the Queen in the House of Commons the day after the Queen’s death. Parliamentary business will be suspended for 10 days.
Prince Charles will be expected to ascend to the throne the day after the Queen’s death, with the Accession Council meeting at St James’ Palace to proclaim Prince Charles the new sovereign.
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