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London Bridge is down: what happens next?
The United Kingdom is mourning the loss of its longest-serving Monarch, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II has passed away at her Balmoral residence surrounded by her family.
The death of the 96-year-old Monarch begins a period of mourning across the United Kingdom and Commonwealth realms, where strict royal protocols are in place.
At the time of her death, UK Prime Minister Liz Truss was called with the secret message ‘London Bridge is Down’.
The phrase was delivered by civil servants through secure telephone lines.
D-Day
This is also known as the day of Queen Elizabeth II dies.
Buckingham Palace confirmed her death with a placard at the front of her London residence. Flags have been lowered to half mast, as Prince Charles becomes King Charles III.
“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.”
His Majesty, King CHARLES
It’s understood Queen Elizabeth’s coffin will temporarily remain at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Then, it will travel to London either by air or on the British Royal Train.
Once D-Day passes, the subsequent days will become D+1, D+2, and so on.
How long does the mourning period last?
There are 10 official days between Her Majesty’s death and when she is laid to rest.
On D-3, King Charles embarks on a Royal Tour of the United Kingdom. He will conduct a guard of honour inspection and continue to mourn his mother’s death.
Then, he will make his way to Northern Ireland and attend remembrance services.
By D-5, the King will return to London where the Imperial State Crown and flowers will be laid on the Queen’s coffin.
The Royal Family are expected to hold prayers and a gun carriage procession will take place at 2:30pm local time.
Half an hour later, the coffin will arrive at Westminster Hall and be moved inside.
Eight days after her death, the King will meet with Governor Generals and Prime Ministers from the Commonwealth realms, and around the world.
D-9 will involve last minute preparations for Her Majesty’s funeral. It is unclear whether the Royal Family will make any public appearances at this time.
On the tenth day, the United Kingdom and the world will bid farewell to Queen Elizabeth II.
Her coffin will be moved to Windsor Castle, where a service will then be held at St George’s Chapel.
Her Majesty’s final resting place will be in the Royal Vault, while a private burial will be held.
The day after Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, flags will move back to full mast and an additional mourning period will be determined by the UK Government.
What happens in a year from now?
King Charles III’s official coronation will take place in a year. At the same time, the UK and Commonwealth’s currency will be reprinted with the King’s portrait.
There will also be changes to passports, stamps and official uniforms.
Finally, the British national anthem will be changed to ‘God Save the King’.