British Royal News says that it’s an end of an era, but the beginning of a new one. As the UK comes to terms with the death of Queen Elizabeth II, behind the scenes the detailed plans set aside for the aftermath are being rapidly put into action.
The arrangements, which have the codename London Bridge, have been in place for many years and were updated and reviewed regularly by palace aides in consultation with the queen herself, and also the British government. Here’s what you need to know.
Here’s What You Need To Know About Operation London Bridge
The strategy for the final farewell to the queen will be set in motion once approved by Charles, the new king. The task is a major undertaking on a scale never seen before – and has added challenges with the death of the queen at Balmoral, with the contingency Scottish plans known as Operation Unicorn now part of the process.
The British government is said to fear a worst-case scenario in which London becomes “full” for the first time as crowds of people try to make their way to the capital, with accommodation, roads, transport and policing stretched to breaking point. But now the Westminster and Scottish governments will have to ensure the smooth running of public events in both Edinburgh and London, with crowds expected to flock to both cities.
Documents seen by Politico in 2021 said the departments facing the greatest challenges are the British Foreign Office, the Home Office and the Department for Transport.
The Foreign Office is tasked with arranging arrivals of heads of state and VIPs from abroad amid the pandemic; the Home Office with the vast security arrangements and any increased terror threat; and the Transport Department has expressed concern that the network could become overwhelmed, with the city facing overcrowding.
A state funeral service is held at Westminster Abbey, triggering an observance of two minutes’ silence in the U.K. After a final service in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, the queen is buried on the castle grounds next to her husband, Prince Philip, who died in April 2021. The date of the funeral has yet to be confirmed.
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