What Will Happen When Queen Elizabeth II Dies
10 things that will occur as per the secret royal plan.
The British royal family has been the focus of the public eye for decades. However, the fascinating member of the British royal family has been Queen Elizabeth II.
She is the longest-reigning monarch in British history who became Queen after her father, King George VI’s death in 1952 and still reigns as the Queen of Britain after 60 years.
Despite her long reign, she will pass away one day, and there are specific protocols in place that will be followed after her death.
The Queen’s passing will be a significant event in British history, and the following events are pre-planned and are even rehearsed. Let’s dive into the details:
1. Queen’s Private Secretary Will Break the News
Sir Christopher Geidt, Queen Elizabeth II’s private secretary, will share the news of the Queen’s demise with the public.
However, the information will not reach the public directly as more important individuals need to be informed before the public.
Geidt will share the news directly with the British Prime Minister, who will then spread it to the 15 countries of which the Queen is head of the state at present.
The news will also be shared with 36 countries in the Commonwealth that include New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. After having informed the officials from these countries, the news will be shared with the public according to the protocols.
2. A Literal Note Breaking the News will be Pinned to the Buckingham Palace Gates
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After the Prime Minister and the private secretary to the Queen have alerted the concerned officials, the news will be broken to the public in a systematic manner.
The news will not be official until a literal note with the news is pinned on the doors of Buckingham Palace.
Another protocol will be carried out by a footman who will be dressed in official mourning gear. After these physical protocols, the online protocols will begin.
The palace website will change to a blank page with the news of the Queen’s demise. The Associated Press will be informed, and an online statement will be published that will be copied in print.
3. Codename for the Plans if the Queen Dies
It is a British tradition to use codenames for protocol regarding a monarch’s death. George VI’s death was called “Hyde Park Corner,” and the funeral plans for the Queen Mother were called “Operation Tay Bridge.”
The methods for Queen Elizabeth II are known by the codename “London Bridge.” It is believed that the phrase “London Bridge is down” will be used to convey the news over secure lines so that nobody finds out the news before public announcement.
4. Plans in Case the Queen Doesn’t Die in England
The plans discussed so far can only be executed if the Queen dies in England — however, there are protocols in place if the Queen dies somewhere else.
The protocols will be more complicated if the Queen dies in Scotland, where she spends a few months every year.
In this case, there will be a complete Scottish ritual that will take place at the Scottish royal palace, Holyroodhouse.
After the ritual, the Queen’s body will be transported back to London, and people will be allowed to throw flowers at the train. There will be a second train to clean the mess. Eventually, the Queen’s body will end up in Buckingham Palace no matter where she dies.
5. Television, Press, and Radio Reporters Know What to Say or Write
The press will not cover the Queen’s death haphazardly. There are set protocols to be followed during the coverage, and journalists have been prepared to cover the event in a becoming manner.
These preparations have been made over the years, and significant journalists have even rehearsed the whole procedure numerous times.
6. Funeral Will be After Ten Days of the Demise
There will be an official mourning period of ten days. The official mourning will end after ten days with the Queen’s funeral. The events that will take place during these days have already been planed.
7. The Queen’s Body Will Lie in State Before the funeral
Like her ancestors, the Queen’s body will be available for everyone to see. Four days before the funeral, the Queen’s body will be laid in state at Westminster Hall, open to the public.
Westminster Hall will be available 23 hours a day with the capacity of accommodating half a million people.
8. Prince Charles Becomes the King
The new monarch to replace the Queen will be her son Prince Charles. There are advocates of skipping one generation and making Prince William the next monarch, but Prince Charles is more likely to become the King if Queen Elizabeth dies.
9. The New King Will Take a Four Day Tour of Britain
During the four days when the Queen’s body lies in state, the new King will tour Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales to meet his subjects.
The reason for this tour will be to introduce the new King to his subjects and start his reign informally, while the official coronation will take place one year after the Queen’s death. The King will also take a new name as soon as his reign begins.
10. New Monarch’s Image Will be Produced on Currency
Right after the Queen’s death, her image will stop being produced on the currency and will be replaced by the new monarch’s image on the newly rolled-out currency.
The old currency will not go away but will not be produced any longer. It will take years for the new currency to replace the older one.
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