What Happens After Queen Elizabeth Dies: Operation London Bridge

Doctors express concern for Queen Elizabeth and placed her under supervision on Thursday. Fears grow that the 96-year-old may be in dire condition as the Royal Family rush to her side at Balmoral Castle.

Her reign could soon be over.

The Crown has been preparing for her death since the 1960s. It’s called Operation London Bridge.

Here’s what happens when she dies.

The Call

The Queen’s private secretary, Sir Edward Young will call Prime Minister Liz Truss and say “London Bridge is down.”

The Notifications

15 Countries where she is still head of state will be informed of her death including the Bahamas, Jamaica, New Zealand Australia, Canada, Papa New Guinea. Then 38 other countries still under the Commonwealth like Barbados, will receive the news.

Then a footman dressed in black will pin an official notice to the gates of Buckingham palace.

The Alarm

An alarm at BBC, to signal national emergencies will go off. And BBC’s logo, will change from red to black and all anchors will wear black suits and ties.

The Transition of Power

Flags will be lowered to half-mast, and Prince Charles, next in line to the throne, will unofficially become king. He will make his first speech as head of state on the evening of her death.

The day after her death, flags will be raised and at 11 in the morning, UK’s local time. Charles will officially become king and Camilla will become the queen.

He will then tour the U.K., making stops and attending services in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Preparations will be made at Westminster Hall for her funeral.

The Funeral

A procession will take place four days after her death—from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall. She will lie in state for four days, then be buried nine days after she dies.