According to leaked papers, the UK has a covert plan for the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, including a memorial ceremony with the prime minister that should look 'spontaneous' and preparations for crisis mode if London fills up with mourners.
The detailed plan, dubbed 'Operation London Bridge,' specifies what would occur in the first 10 days following the monarch's 96th birthday on September 8, 2022, in Scotland.
The UK government is prepared for a disaster; a letter acquired by Politico in September 2021 warned that London would see an overwhelming or 'full' influx of mourners who would disrupt public transportation, food accessibility, law enforcement, and other services.
'Operation London Bridge,' asks for a security operation to be set up to handle any potential congestion in response to this possibility.
The plan's schematic also reveals that a memorial ceremony for the Queen would be conducted at St. Paul's Cathedral once the prime minister makes the monarch's passing public.
The memorial is expected to look 'spontaneous,' according to the leaked plans, even though the prime minister and a few other top officials are expected to attend.
In addition, there are plans for King Charles to travel to the UK in the days preceding the funeral when he assumes the throne, and for the Prime Minister and her government to greet the Queen's coffin at St. Pancras station.
'Operation London Bridge' starts with 'D-Day,' when the prime minister, the cabinet secretary, and other top ministers and officials will be informed of the Queen's demise by Her Royal Highness's private secretary hours after the monarch passes away. According to reports, the Privy Council Office, which oversees government operations on behalf of the queen, would also be informed.
There are procedures in place for how authorities should inform others about the news, and the royal household will make an 'official announcement' to the general public. For instance, the cabinet secretary may send the following email to top government officials and ministers: 'Dear colleagues, I'm writing to let you know that Her Majesty the Queen passed away with grief.
Additionally, it is planned to lower all flags on Whitehall Road to half-staff 10 minutes after the news is announced.
Social media will convert to a black holding page with a brief message declaring the queen's passing, according to Politico. The top of the UK government website, GOV. The UK will have a black banner. Additionally, a black banner will appear on all departmental social media profiles, and the profile images will alter to reflect the department's crest.
Retweets are interesting 'explicitly barred' unless authorised by the head of communications for the central government, and non-urgent information shouldn't be posted.
The Ministry of Defense will organise for gun salutes, the prime minister will speak as the first representative of the government, and a minute of quiet for the country will be declared. After that, the PM will meet with the new monarch, and Charles will address the country in a broadcast.
Plans have been made for various authorities to pay their respects to the Queen over the ten days before her burial at Buckingham Palace.
The Queen's return to London, if she passed away in another location, was ensured by several preparations, including 'Operation Unicorn,' which specified that she would be conveyed by train given that she passed away in Scotland.
A two-minute moment of silence will be observed across the country 'at 12:00' on the tenth day when the Queen's state burial will be held at Westminster Abbey. The Queen will be laid to rest at the King George VI Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle, and there will be services in St. George's Chapel and both London and Windsor.