Queen dead at 96, what happens next? Funeral plans, King Charles III and 10 days of mourning

“Operation London Bridge” is in force following the Queen’s death – so what happens next? When is Charles officially named King? Is Camilla going to be Queen and when is the funeral?

After the Queen’s death, a series of carefully choreographed security plans were triggered immediately as part of the secretive Operation London Bridge before the transition to Operation Spring Tide, the plan for Prince Charles’s accession to King.

The Queen’s death triggered an immediate “call cascade”. The Cabinet Secretary Simon Case informed the new prime minister, Liz Truss, before the death was then publicly announced, via a statement from Buckingham Palace.

Flags across Whitehall were lowered to half-mast within minutes.

Thousands across London flocked to Buckingham Palace where flowers have been laid and messages of condolences left.

With the Queen’s passing happening in Balmoral, what happens next?

WHO RULES NOW?

Great Britain and the Commonwealth gets a new King - Charles III. It is expected he will make his first address to the nation on Saturday.He had his first call with Ms Truss within hours of becoming King. Three days after the Queen’s death Charles will begin a tour of the UK.

IS CAMILLA QUEEN?

Camilla will be known as Queen Consort per the Queen’s wishes. This title signifies that she is the spouse of a monarch as opposed to the actual Queen. Anyone that marries into the Royal family cannot inherit the throne.

Queen Consort was the title also given to Elizabeth II’s mother when she married King George VI.

“When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife, Camilla, the same support that you have given me; and it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service”, the Queen wrote in a message shortly before the anniversary of her 70 years on the throne.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE QUEEN NOW?

With her passing in Scotland, Operation Unicorn goes into effect. Scottish parliament is suspended and her body will rest at Holyroodhouse, the royal palace in Edinburgh.

From there she will be taken to St Giles’ Cathedral on the Royal Mile before boarding the Royal Train and making the journey to London.

D-DAY AND BEYOND

At 10am the day after the Queen’s death, members of the privy council will proclaim Charles as the new monarch. Attendees will include the Prime Minister. Parliament will agree on a message of condolence and then duties will be suspended for 10 days.

PUBLIC PROCESSION

Four days after he passing, the Queen’s coffin will be taken on a military procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall. She will be followed by members of the Royal Family as we saw with Diana 25 years ago. The Archbishop of Canterbury will oversee a short service. The Queen will then lie in state for 10 days.

Westminster Hall will be open to the public.

WHAT HAS TO CHANGE?

It could take up to a year for Charles to have his coronation. Currency, passports, stamps, police and military uniforms have to be changed. The National anthem will now be God Save the King.

Originally published as Queen dead at 96, what happens next? Funeral plans, King Charles III and 10 days of mourning