It is a day no-one wants to think about, but some people have been doing that for decades as the detailed plan of what will happen when the Queen dies has been revealed.

The plan has been refined since the 1960s and goes into minute detail, including contingencies over where Queen Elizabeth II passes away, how the nation will be told and even the codewords used at the highest levels of Government.

What will happen immediately after Queen Elizabeth II passes away?

Queen Elizabeth II during day two of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse
Queen Elizabeth II during day two of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse.

When she dies it will be Sir Christopher Geidt, the Queen’s private secretary, who will spread the news, first contacting the prime minister say the Mirror .

The Queen will be known by the codeword “London Bridge" and civil servants will say “London Bridge is down” on secure lines.


The public will find out in a newsflash after newspapers and television and radio stations have been told.


The next steps




Listeners to Radio 4 and Radio 5 live will hear the specific formulation of words, “This is the BBC from London."


Where the Queen passes away



Her body will be transported by train to London.


Everything has been being planned since the 1960s and will swing into action with precision.



All games, including golf, will be banned in the Royal Parks, and many sporting fixtures will be cancelled.

The day after her death flags flying at half mast will be raised and Charles will be proclaimed king and trumpeters from the Life Guards, wearing red plumes on their helmets, will step on the roof of Buckingham Palace and give three blasts.


The funeral

There will be a huge funeral 10 days later and int he meantime the Queen's coffin will move to Westminster Hall, to lie in state for four full days - around half a million people are expected to visit.

There will be ten pall bearers who will practice their role in secret - British royals are buried in lead-lined coffins and Princess Diana’s weighed a quarter of a ton.


The wreaths will be changed every day.
