Operation Menai Bridge could be activated at any time. After it was announced that King Charles III had been diagnosed with cancer, one of the big questions on social media was what would happen if the 75-year-old British monarch died in the coming weeks. So far, the British Royal House has not detailed what type of cancer Charles III faces, but the protocol is ready for any eventuality. It should be remembered that the tumor was discovered during a recent surgical intervention to treat an enlarged prostate.
What Happens if King Charles III Dies?
The plans for King Charles III’s death and state funeral are known as “Operation Menai Bridge” (named after a suspension bridge in Wales). Preparations for Charles’s funeral began to be planned almost immediately after he became king following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. There is a reference to it in the famous Netflix series, The Crown, during an episode about Carlos’s near accident in an avalanche. The scene in question involves the Queen’s secretary briefing her on Charles and reflecting somewhat delicately: “We have contingency plans for all members of the royal family, Menai Bridge is no exception. “It is the code name for the death of the Prince of Wales.”
So far, no details of “Operation Menai Bridge” have been leaked, but they are likely to be very similar to those of “Operation London Bridge,” the code name used for the queen’s death. This means that on the day King Charles III dies, his family will be informed, followed by the Prime Minister (currently Rishi Sunak).
The news will then be spread to Commonwealth countries and governments where the king is head of state and finally to the press association. Additionally, regardless of the order in which people find out, once King Charles III passes away, a note will be placed on the doors of Buckingham Palace. The flags will also be flown at half-mast, just as happened with Isabel II.
Who Will Be the Successor of King Charles III?
The coronation of his successor, Prince William, will not occur until months after his father’s death, but he will be the new king by the time Charles dies. William is likely to give a speech to the nation later that day and will quickly begin meeting with government officials. Meanwhile, the body of King Charles III will be transferred from the throne room of Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, where he will rest for several days as part of the protocol.
King Charles III’s funeral will take place approximately nine days after his death and he will then be entombed in the royal vault located in King George VI Chapel at historic Windsor Castle.
What Happens if Charles III Abdicates the Throne?
Considering his state of health, this option cannot be ruled out for King Charles III. In this scenario, the crown will pass to the next in the line of succession, which, in Charles’ case, would be his eldest child, 41-year-old Prince William. William’s wife, Princess Kate, would also become Queen Consort if William suddenly assumed the throne.
This would change the entire order of succession, and William’s ten-year-old son, Prince George, would become the heir apparent and first in line, followed by his eight-year-old sister, Princess Charlotte, and his brother five years old, Prince Louis.
This story was written in Spanish by Miguel Fernanez in Cultura Colectiva News.
