Operation Menai Bridge is the code name given for the plans surrounding the death of King Charles, when he does pass away. Here’s what you need to know.
KING CHARLES DEATH AND OPERATION MENAI BRIDGE
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, her eldest child, King Charles ascended to the throne. In February, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles had cancer. There were reports that King Charles health was declining in April.
“Speaking to friends of the king in recent weeks about his health, the most common response is … ‘It’s not good,” according to Daily Beast.
As concerns for the King’s health continue, Page Six reports that plans for the future of the throne have been put under a code name. Operation Menai Bridge is the code name given in reference to King Charles’ death. This is also the name of the world’s first iron suspension bridge in Wales. Operation London Bridge was the code name given in reference to Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
Royal Protection Officer, Simon Morgan, said that preparations for King Charles death reportedly started when he took to the throne.
“Unfortunately, as of tomorrow morning, planning for Operation Menai Bridge will start in earnest,” said Morgan to Today in September 2022.
“Even the King said in his acceptance that he will take this role for as long as life allows him to. He is 73 years of age, it’s got to be in the back of your mind, and from the police, we’ve got to start planning again for the future.”
SO, HOW WILL OPERATION MENAI BRIDGE UNFOLD?
Prince William is next in line to the throne. Upon King Charles’ death, he will ascend the throne and his wife, Kate Middleton will become Queen Consort. King Charles’ family will be informed about his death, as well as the prime minister, cabinet secretary, other senior ministers, officials and the King’s Privy Council Office – by his private secretary, as per Page Six.
So, what else will happen?
The royal household will then issue an “official notification” to alert the public. There are scripts in place on how officials should alert others on the news. The cabinet secretary will let ministers and senior civil servants know by email. After the message is received, flags at Whitehall would be lowered to half-mast.
The prime minister will make an official statement. The Ministry of Defence will arrange for gun salutes, and a minute of silence for the nation will be announced. Prince William will then meet with the prime minister. He will then deliver a broadcast to the nation.
King Charles will be laid to rest in the royal vault in King George VI Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle.