Buzz
The queen has passed away. On September 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Elizabeth II had reigned as queen since 1952, and in that time, she made the role truly her own.
Now that the beloved monarch is no longer with us, you may be surprised to learn that we already know exactly what will unfold in the days ahead. Governments and the media have been preparing for this moment for decades.
[NOTE: At the time of writing this article, the Queen was still alive. As a result, the present tense is used frequently.]
10. Previous Royal Passings Have Been Catastrophic
Although royal funerals and ceremonies are often known for their grandiosity, many of them have been utter failures. At Princess Charlotte’s funeral, the undertakers were intoxicated. During George IV’s coronation, prize fighters had to be hired to prevent the ‘distinguished yet combative guests’ from brawling with each other.
The burial of the Duke of York in 1827 was so frigid that the foreign secretary caught rheumatic fever, and the Bishop of London passed away. Even Queen Victoria’s coronation failed to impress, as the clergy stumbled over their lines, and the coronation ring didn’t fit.
Even as recently as 2002, there were notable mishaps during royal ceremonies. When the Queen Mother passed away, over 250 commercial radio stations were unable to report the news immediately. The plan was to send an automated ‘obit’ signal right after the official announcement, allowing the stations to be among the first to broadcast the news.
However, as one insider put it, there was ‘an enormous cock-up,’ and someone mistakenly pressed the wrong button, causing the announcement to fail. As a result, 258 radio stations were completely unaware of one of the year’s most significant news events.
9. The Planning Resembles a Spy Thriller
When the last British monarch passed away in 1952, the news was transmitted using the code phrase “Hyde Park Corner” to prevent switchboard operators from discovering and prematurely leaking the information.
The Queen Mother’s funeral had similarly secretive plans under the codename “Operation Tay Bridge.” For Queen Elizabeth II, her passing is planned under the codename “Operation London Bridge,” which reads like a classified military operation manual.
If the prime minister is asleep, civil servants will awaken him with the words “London Bridge is down.” This coded phrase means the queen has died, though it raises the question: What will they do if the actual London Bridge collapses? It could lead to some very confusing situations if the queen’s passing coincides with a bridge disaster.
Next, the Foreign Office’s Global Response Center will communicate the news from a concealed location through secure channels to the 15 foreign governments where the queen holds the position of head of state. The news will also be shared with the 36 Commonwealth nations where she acts as a symbolic figurehead.
Despite all this secrecy, it’s likely the rest of the world will learn of the news within moments. The Press Association will receive the information of her passing within an hour of the prime minister’s notification.
8. It Will Be The Largest Funeral in Human History
When the queen ‘joins the great majority,’ it will be the largest funeral ever held, and quite possibly the most-watched event in human history. Diana’s funeral procession alone drew over a million people in person, while an estimated 2.5 billion viewers tuned in globally to watch on television.
According to all estimates, the queen’s funeral is set to far surpass these numbers. George VI had 305,000 subjects visit his coffin to pay their respects, creating a queue stretching 6.4 kilometers (4 miles). Current predictions for the queen’s funeral estimate at least half a million mourners. That’s 500,000 people waiting in line to enter a single room.
An entire nation will undergo a transformation as the royal bureaucracy swings into action. Public TV screens will be set up nationwide for people to watch the funeral. Almost all flags will be flown at half-mast, and nearly all businesses and shops will shut down. Foreign dignitaries will abandon their prior commitments to visit a small, rainy island in the North Atlantic instead.
7. The Entire Funeral Will Feel Like It’s from the 1800s
Britain will pull out all the stops, relying on centuries of tradition, grandeur, and ceremony, essentially transporting itself 200 years back in time. Horses, carriages, cannons, and traditional military uniforms will dominate the streets of London, while the air will be filled with the echo of church bells tolling.
Ancient systems, traditions, and ceremonies will be revived. Some have not been seen for over sixty years, if ever. Even the official announcement will come from a royal footman posting a notice on the palace gates, informing passersby of the monarch’s passing.
The media will also join in this revival of old customs, with the BBC activating RATS. This stands for ‘radio alert transmission system,’ or ‘royal about to snuff it,’ a playful nickname sometimes used in the BBC offices.
Developed during the Cold War to survive an attack on Britain’s communication networks, RATS has earned legendary status among BBC staff. Most employees have only witnessed it during tests, and many have never seen it in action.
Remember, this is a nation that recently delayed the opening of parliament for several days because the ink hadn’t dried on the goatskin parchment for the opening speech. The UK isn’t afraid to embrace antiquated methods for the sake of a grand display.
The queen herself understands the value of old-fashioned spectacle. ‘I have to be seen to be believed’ is said to be one of her catchphrases, humorously suggesting that the queen has quite a few catchphrases of her own.
6. Everything Is Already Planned to the Final Detail
Operation London Bridge is planned with precision, right down to the minute. For instance, Prince Charles is set to be officially crowned king at 11:00 AM the day after the queen's passing. On the day of the funeral, Big Ben will toll at 9:00 AM, and the coffin will arrive at Westminster Abbey’s doorstep at 11:00 AM.
Beyond Britain, other governments have their own confidential preparations. The Canadian government, for example, keeps its plans for the queen’s death secret, sharing them only with cabinet members and senior officials.
Nearly every media outlet has contingency plans in place for when the monarch 'passes away.' Radio stations have pre-arranged playlists of somber music. Chris Price from BBC Radio 1 has mentioned that if the track ‘Haunted Dancehall (Nursery Remix)’ by Sabres of Paradise ever plays, it signals that a major tragedy or death has occurred.
TV programming can be altered at a moment’s notice to eliminate any inappropriate humor on the day of mourning. While comedy shows will still air, most satirical or dark humor will be removed from the schedule.
Media outlets around the world are poised for action. For example, CNN has several pre-recorded ‘packages’ covering the queen’s life, which will be broadcast as soon as they receive confirmation of Elizabeth’s passing. Major British newspapers like The Times are believed to have up to 11 days’ worth of articles already prepared.
Sky News and ITN regularly hold rehearsals and drills, where the queen is humorously referred to as 'Mrs. Robinson.' Additionally, many broadcasters have prearranged contracts with royal experts to secure exclusive interviews.
5. Every Small Mistake Will Be Under Intense Scrutiny
Broadcasters must be on high alert, knowing they’ll be subject to immense scrutiny. When the Queen Mother passed away, newsreader Peter Sissons was criticized for wearing a red tie, which the media deemed disrespectful.
Sissons was caught, so to speak, wearing the wrong tie. The BBC, too, faced criticism for not providing enough details and treating the event as just another news story. This incident heavily influenced how the British media now cover the deaths of public figures.
In today's world of social media, the scrutiny will be even more intense. Many news channels keep black formal attire ready at all times for the sudden passing of a prominent figure. When Queen Elizabeth II’s health started to decline, news anchors were swiftly instructed to change into black clothing. By the time the announcement of the Queen’s death was made, the media was fully dressed in black suits, ties, and other appropriate attire.
Programs will be interrupted, networks will consolidate, and prewritten scripts will be read aloud. The Royal Standard will be raised, and the national anthem will play. Any commentary or debate will be postponed to ensure the networks aren’t accused of disrespect.
4. The Very Fabric of British National Identity Will Shift
Much of British culture has been shaped by Queen Elizabeth’s reign. She became queen when Harry Truman was the U.S. president and Joseph Stalin was the leader of the Soviet Union.
Her likeness is featured on British currency, while her emblem is emblazoned on the uniforms of the police and military. The British national anthem is literally titled after her (‘God Save The Queen’). All of this will have to be altered.
New currency will be printed immediately, the national anthem will switch to ‘God Save the King,’ passports will be reissued, military insignia will be updated, new postage stamps will be produced, and even everyday items like mailboxes will need to be adjusted.
When Elizabeth II ascended the throne, mailboxes in Scotland were defaced. This stemmed from the fact that Scotland had never had a Queen Elizabeth I, as England and Scotland were once separate countries. Scottish citizens were displeased that English history seemed to overshadow their own.
3. The United Kingdom Might Transition To A Republic
While most surveys indicate that the monarchy enjoys widespread support among the British public, the ascension of a new king, who lacks the same history, stability, and recognition, could alter this. Historian Greg Jenner has pointed out that “public admiration for Queen Elizabeth is a huge factor in the monarchy's current support. She is truly exceptional.”
Few expect the monarchy to disintegrate immediately without her, though there is speculation that public support may gradually decline. Jeremy Corbyn, the current leader of the opposition on the left, is a republican who advocates for the UK becoming a republic. We doubt he’s a supporter of the GOP.
2. The Commonwealth May Disband
The queen is not only the monarch of the UK, but also of Canada, Australia, Jamaica, and several other nations. She also serves as the head of the Commonwealth, which includes countries like India and South Africa.
Her presence and influence bring together about one-third of the global population, and her passing could very well mark the end of that unity. Australia, with its long-standing republican movement, could see a shift, especially if a new, less beloved monarch takes the throne.
1. The Economy Will Suffer Billions in Losses
The immediate financial impact of the queen’s death will be immense. The UK economy stands to lose billions from lost working hours, not to mention the expenses associated with the funeral and the forthcoming coronation. During the 12 days following Elizabeth’s death, shops and banks will close as a sign of mourning and respect.
Both the queen’s funeral and Prince Charles’s coronation will become national holidays, with each costing the economy between £1.2 billion and £6 billion.
While an influx of tourists may help offset some of the losses, the UK's economy will likely face a decline. Just the mention of Brexit often devalues the pound, and the death of such a globally recognized figurehead will only add to the economic uncertainty.
