The Queen's Funeral: Operation London Bridge

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at Balmoral on 8th September 2022. To pay your respects and pay tribute to Her Majesty, visit our remembrance page here: Remembering Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 1926 -2022

As the country sits in a state of shock and mourning, our thoughts turn to what will happen next. Most of us have never experienced the passing of a reigning monarch before and so questions are understandable. To try and answer a few, we take a look at what protocol is in place. Details are likely to confirmed by King Charles III later today.

All of the top royals are designated with a code name based on UK bridges, and on event of their passing the code name will be used to announce it internally. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth was designated London Bridge, and so the proceedings after her death are known as Operation London Bridge. London Bridge lists protocol for what to do in the event of the passing of Her Majesty and includes plans for her funeral.

The Queen's funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey. It is expected that her coffin will be carried upon a gun carriage. Senior members of the royal family will follow silently on foot, just like they did at the funeral of Princess Diana.

The funeral will be televised with millions expected to tune in to watch. Dignitaries and royalty from across the globe are expected to attend. The event will be sombre, traditional and dignified and will be remembered in British history by future generations.

The funeral will take place on Monday 19th September 2022. Prince Charles has this morning confirmed a period of mourning to last 17 days; to end 7 days after the funeral.

On the evening of her funeral, close family will gather for a private service before interment in King George VI Memorial Chapel within St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. There Her Majesty will be laid to rest besides her mother, father and sister Princess Margaret.

The coffin of her late husband Prince Phillip, The Duke of Edinburgh will be moved from the Royal Vault in St. George's Chapel to join her.

Many local churches have opened books of condolence and are opening to allow people to lay floral tributes, light candles or sit in private thoughts and prayer. Many of the Queen's residences are allowing people to leave floral tributes to Her Majesty at the gates. Flowers left at Buckingham Palace will be moved to The Green Park Floral Tribute Garden by The Royal Parks.

There is not an official book of condolence for the royal family, but their website offers online condolence messages advising 'A selection of messages will be passed onto members of the Royal Family, and may be held in the Royal Archives for posterity'. You can add your message here.

We extend our deepest condolences to the Royal Family. Her Majesty The Queen served her country for more than 70 years and conducted herself with grace and dignity; her strength and dedication will be her legacy.

You may pay tribute to Her Majesty on our website here.