What’s Operation London Bridge? It is a query on lots of people’s minds currently, particularly within the wake of Her Majesty, the Queen’s passing. Whereas the complete extent of the operation is unknown to most people, it seems to be the complete plan for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral; from the second of her demise, to when she is laid to relaxation.
Particulars are nonetheless sparse, however here’s a breakdown of Operation London Bridge, and its concurrent operations. Preserve studying to study extra!
Background For Operation London Bridge
Operation London Bridge (code phrase “London Bridge is down”) is the identify for the plan in place for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the ceremonial operations are overseen by Earl Marshal and the officers within the Faculty of Arms.
The unique plans had been drawn up within the Nineteen Sixties and have been up to date a number of instances since. The operation is up to date thrice a 12 months through conferences comprising of presidency officers, police, and newscasters.
The purpose of Operation London Bridge is to make sure that the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II is performed easily and with minimal disruption to on a regular basis life. To that finish, an excessive amount of planning and preparation goes into the operation.
A number of the key components of the operation embody:
- Coordinating with a number of hundred organizations, together with authorities companies, the Church of England, and numerous navy models
- Detailed plans for safety, site visitors administration, and media relations
- A complete communications plan, involving over 3,000 individuals
- Intensive rehearsals, involving the entire key personnel concerned within the operation
Operation London Bridge is an enormous enterprise, however one that’s very important to making sure a easy and respectful funeral for Queen Elizabeth II.
Timeline For Operation London Bridge
After 70 years of service, the Queen of England handed on on the age of 96, and Operation London Bridge has been put into motion.
Communications
The primary particular person to seek out out, after her shut household and medical crew, is her non-public secretary. They’ve the unenviable process of contacting the Prime Minister with the information.
But it surely’s not so simple as simply making a telephone name. The non-public secretary has to make use of particular safe traces, they usually have to make use of a code phrase: “London Bridge is down”.
Then, the cupboard secretary and the Privy Council Workplace would even be notified by the non-public secretary. The cupboard secretary would then convey the information to ministers and senior civil servants.
Concurrently, a member of the royal family, Earl Marshal, will meet with King Charles III.
The information of the Queen’s demise would even be communicated to the governments of the 14 different international locations of which Elizabeth is queen (the Commonwealth realms), and to the governments of the opposite international locations of the Commonwealth of Nations. The Overseas, Commonwealth, and Growth Workplace’s World Response Centre, based mostly at a secret location in London, could be accountable for this.
The blue “obit mild” system could be put into motion, and BBC Two would droop scheduled programming and swap to BBC One’s broadcast of the announcement. Inoffensive music could be performed as presenters ready for a information flash. That is how the world would know that Queen Elizabeth II had handed away.
Moreover, a discover will likely be pinned to the gates of Buckingham Palace and the palace web site will show the identical discover.
All authorities web sites and social media accounts will flip black, in accordance with Operation London Bridge. This consists of the royal household’s web site.
Non-urgent content material ought to be averted throughout this time.
Addresses and Ceremonies
Following protocol, the prime minister will tackle the Home of Commons. King Charles III will then meet with the prime minister and provides a speech to the nation at 6 pm the night following Her Majesty’s passing.
Whitehall and native authorities buildings will fly their flags at half-mast, and books of condolence will likely be opened. Ritual or ceremonial ornaments will likely be positioned in blackened purses.
A service of remembrance will likely be held at St Paul’s Cathedral, attended by the prime minister and senior ministers and gun salutes will happen at saluting places.
Transporting The Coffin
The plan for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II had completely different preparations relying on the place she died. If it had been at Windsor Citadel or Sandringham Home, then there would solely be a practice experience to London’s St Pancras railway station to fulfill the cupboard ministers and prime minister; but when abroad journeys had been deliberate then No 32 (The Royal) Squadron will carry her coffin by hearse again into England. In all instances, Queen Elizabeth will likely be delivered to the throne room at Buckingham Palace.
The Queen would lie in state for 5 days at London’s Westminster Corridor earlier than being taken to St George’s Chapel – her ultimate resting place.
Operation London Bridge and The Commonwealth Realms
The Commonwealth realms are a gaggle of nations that acknowledge the Queen as their head of state. These international locations embody Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and a number of other others. The governments of every of those international locations have their very own plans for what follows Queen Elizabeth’s demise.
Australia
The demise of Queen Elizabeth II will likely be introduced with nice ceremony and respect in Australia. Statements have already been drafted for the prime minister and governor-general. The flags will fly at half-mast instantly for ten days, aside from the day of King Charles III’s accession to the throne. Australia has additionally acknowledged that it’s observing a Nationwide Day of Commemorating, which can be proclaimed as a nationwide vacation.
Canada
The cupboard was known as to Ottawa and after receiving phrase of the Queen’s demise, they introduced that King Charles III has been proclaimed “lawful and rightful liege”. The Privy Council for Canada convened with this new lawful ruler so as of decree all through all provinces. The federal authorities has additionally introduced {that a} mourning interval for Elizabeth II would happen, the size of mentioned interval to be decided. The federal government of Canada additionally plans on holding an official memorial service in Ottawa throughout this time.
New Zealand
When the information of Queen Elizabeth II’s demise reached New Zealand, it was introduced through established communication channels between the Royal Family and authorities amenities. When the top of the Ministry for Tradition and Heritage was knowledgeable, they needed to request that New Zealand’s flag be lowered at half-mast up till the funeral date. The one exception would be the day of King Charles’s ascension to the throne.
In Abstract
That’s all for now on Operation London Bridge! We hope you discovered this put up informative. It is going to be fascinating to see how the remainder of the operation unfolds, and how much modifications are made in mild of the Queen’s demise. As extra data is launched, we’ll make sure to maintain you up to date. Within the meantime, keep secure, and should the Queen relaxation in peace.
