London Bridge protocol launched after death of Queen Elizabeth II

Official announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96 (earlier on Thursday there was an unreliable report about her death) gave rise to the implementation of the protocol developed in advance in the event of the death of the monarch. Despite the fact that the document is considered secret, various details of the plan of official action became available to the press even before the tragic news.

According to the plan, the Queen’s private secretary was to notify Prime Minister Liz Truss of the unfortunate event over a secure telephone line, uttering the code phrase – “London Bridge has fallen” – hence the name of the protocol. Further, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs the heads of governments of 14 states in which the Queen is considered the head of state, and the authorities of the member countries of the British Commonwealth.

These steps passed unnoticed by the public, then the protocol becomes public. The official website of Buckingham Palace has already launched a “stub” – a coronation portrait of Her Majesty in full dress on a black background. Sections of the site are currently unavailable.

The national flag is flown at half mast over a palace in London. An announcement about Elizabeth’s death appeared on the gate. A multi-day national mourning has been declared, while 10 days are reported, while the media previously wrote that the protocol implies 12 days of mourning. TV channels cancel entertainment events.

Soon, the Queen’s son Charles – Buckingham Palace already officially calls him king – will have to address the nation, then go through the inauguration and go on a mourning trip around the country. The date of his accession to the throne has not yet been announced – this will happen when it becomes possible, writes The Guardian.

The coffin with the body of the queen is expected to be open to citizens during the mourning – they will be able to come up and say goodbye to the queen, who ruled the country longer than other British monarchs. The mourning events will end with a burial ceremony at Windsor Castle. In April 2021, the Queen’s husband, Prince Philip, rested here.