Buckingham Palace officials have reportedly begun discreet preparations for the eventual passing of King Charles III, triggering the activation of an official protocol designed for the transition of power after the monarch’s death. Sources close to the royal household have confirmed that palace aides are now rehearsing the procedures outlined in Operation Menai Bridge, a detailed plan that will be followed when King Charles, currently 76 and undergoing cancer treatment, passes away.
These preparations, while somber, are seen as necessary to ensure a seamless transition and avoid confusion during what will be a moment of immense national mourning. Operation Menai Bridge, named after the famous suspension bridge in Wales, mirrors the extensive framework laid out in Operation London Bridge, the protocol executed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.
It involves coordination among the British government, armed forces, police, media, and royal staff to manage all ceremonial and official responses. A senior royal aide, speaking anonymously to Radar Online, revealed the gravity and importance of the planning: “These are rehearsals no one wants to do, but everyone has to be ready. Every detail is planned from who calls whom to how flags are lowered.”
Royal planning for such events traditionally begins early, and former Royal Protection Officer Simon Morgan, 52, who once served in Queen Elizabeth’s security team, confirmed that the process was initiated shortly after Charles became monarch on September 8, 2022.
“Even the king said in his acceptance that he will take this role for as long as life allows him to… It’s got to be in the back of your mind, and from the police, we’ve got to start planning again for the future,” Morgan said. According to the protocol, the King’s private secretary will first inform the Prime Minister and the Privy Council Office.
This will set off a tightly organized “call cascade” to notify key cabinet secretaries, government ministers, and senior civil servants. Flags across Whitehall will be lowered to half-mast, and an official announcement will follow from Buckingham Palace.
Upon the King’s death, Queen Camilla will be formally referred to as the Queen Dowager, replacing her current title of Queen Consort. Following state funeral arrangements, a private burial will take place, similar to Queen Elizabeth’s carefully planned farewell.
While there has been no indication of an immediate decline in King Charles’ health, officials are ensuring every measure is in place, demonstrating the monarchy’s commitment to maintaining dignity, stability, and tradition in times of loss.