The death of Queen Elizabeth II is being mourned in Britain and across the world.
The longest-serving British monarch was 96.
The Queen served as the U.K.’s reigning monarch for 70 years, making her the second-longest serving sovereign in history.
Born on April 21, 1926, the Queen is 96 years old. She ascended the throne in February 1952.
But what will actually happen after her demise? What protocol is followed when a reigning monarch dies? Here are things to know:
1. Operation London Bridge — Once the Queen has passed, Operation London Bridge begins. There will be 10 days of activity from the Queen’s death to her funeral.
2. Meeting the Queen’s coffin: Prime Minister Liz Truss, who was just received by the Queen earlier this week, and her Cabinet will meet the Queen’s coffin at St. Pancras station.
3. Prince Charles, who is first in line to the throne will tour the U.K. before the Queen’s funeral. He will stop in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales to attend services.
4. Ceremonially, flags across Whitehall will be lowered to half-mast. The royal family’s website will change to a black holding page with the statement announcing the Queen’s passing.
5. Charles will be proclaimed as the new sovereign but the coronation of King Charles III will be planned a few months after the funeral, and the title of Prince of Wales will move to Prince William.
6. The Queen’s coffin will remain in the Palace of Westminster for three days where the public will be able to visit and pay their respects. Parliamentary business in the U.K. will be suspended for 10 days.
7. On the 10th day, the Queen’s body will be moved to Westminister Abbey for a state funeral. The funeral will be attended by state officials from all over the world and will be coordinated by the armed forces and Government.
8. At the BBC, there’s an alarm that signals national emergencies. Many who work there have no idea what it sounds like, but it goes off when the Queen dies. At that point, the BBC’s logo, which is usually red, will be changed to black. And all anchors will wear black suits and ties.
9. Elizabeth is expected to then be buried next to her late husband, Prince Philip, and her father, King George VI.
10. Charles will officially become king and Camilla will become the U.K.’s queen. Continue Reading
