“London Bridge is down” (“The London Bridge has fallen”). They were the code words that Queen Elizabeth II had chosen, along with her advisers from Buckingham Palace, in the millimetric previous operation deployed to prepare the announcement of her death. The words were picked up by Premier Liz Truss, in her office, just two days after having dispatched with Her Majesty at Balmoral. This is the agenda that follows D-Day, September 8, when the monarch gave her last goodbye.
The UK, Europe and the world are in mourning. The loss of the queen among queens, a symbol of unity, perseverance and strength, leaves the British nation an orphan. The country is preparing for her funeral, which in the London Bridge operation was renamed D + 10 day.
Friday, September 9 (D+0 Day)
Charles III and Camilla return to London from Balmoral Castle (in Scotland). At 10:00 am (local time) the new king is scheduled to deliver his first address to the nation. Flags at half-staff as a sign of mourning. In addition, salutes from the Royal Guard will be heard from Hyde Park and also from the Tower of London. The bells will ring at Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Windsor Castle.
Saturday 10 (Day D+1)
Carlos III, although he is already monarch of facto, he will be officially proclaimed king at St James’s in a ceremony laced with pomp, in which a formal declaration is read out by a palace official and Charles swears to protect the Church in Scotland. He will hold meetings with Prime Minister Liz Truss.
Sunday 11 (Day D+2)
The Unicorn operation (variant of the London Bridge operation, since the Queen died in Scotland) is activated. The coffin with the mortal remains of the monarch is expected to be transferred from Balmoral to Holyrood Palace, her former official residence in Edinburgh and seat of the Scottish Parliament. Guarded by her Royal Company of Archers, it will remain there so that the Scots can bid her farewell, pay their respects and sign her condolence book.
Monday 12 (Day D+3)
Carlos III begins a tour throughout the country. He will visit Edinburgh, Belfast and Cardiff. His mother’s coffin will travel in procession to St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh. A mass and vigil will be held there, with members of the Windsor family in attendance. She will be known as princess vigil.
Tuesday 13 (Day D+4)
The Queen arrives in London. Her remains will be transferred to Buckingham. A huge concentration of citizens is expected along the route to the palace as a sign of respect and mourning.
Wednesday 14 (Day D+5)
The new setting will be the seat of Parliament, Westminster Abbey. The monarch will remain there for four days, during which the British will be able to pay their last goodbye to her. This will repeat the same script that was prepared on the occasion of the death of the Queen Mother in 2002.
Days 15, 16, 17
The United Kingdom bids farewell to Her Majesty.
Sunday 18 (Day D+9)
On Sunday morning, a reception is planned in which all the authorities of the State, the premier, members of his government and former prime ministers will meet. It will take place at Lancaster House, in the district of St. James, in the West End of London.
Monday 19 (Day D+10): State funeral
At 9:00 in the morning, Big Ben will chime to announce the funeral, which will take place in Westminster Abbey. The attendance of 2,000 guests is expected, among whom will be the representatives of the highest powers of the State and the European royal houses. It is expected that at 11.00 the coffin will reach the doors of the temple. His remains will lie in King George VI Chapel at Windsor Castle, alongside his father. The national mourning will last for a month.
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