What Happens Next After Prince Philip Has Died? Operation Forth Bridge Explained
Prince Philip has sadly passed away, which means a lot of things are now underway in the United Kingdom.
The procedure following Prince Philip‘s death, dubbed “Operation Forth Bridge,” is to be put into effect after the confirmation of the royal’s passing on Friday (April 9), via The Independent.
The Forth Bridge was opened in 1964, and connects Edinburgh to Perth. For a time, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world outside of the United States. Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh opened it together.
Here’s how it will work…
Flags are to be lowered and newscasters will wear black to read the announcements in mourning. (In 2002, the BBC’s Peter Sissons was criticized for wearing a red tie when he announced the death of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.)
Members of Parliament will also wear black armbands.
The National Association of Civic Officers (NACO) also suggests cancelling and rescheduling events and having designated flower-laying areas for the public.
The Queen is expected to enter a period of mourning, and her state affairs and appearances are paused. It is likely to last for eight days, although a further period of royal mourning could last another 30 days, with duties also suspended. No laws will be made during that period as well.
Prince Philip reportedly requested a military funeral, which is expected to happen eight days after his death, as a Royal Navy veteran, which is expected to take place at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Berkshire, England, where Prince Harry married Meghan Markle.
However, it is not certain amid the pandemic and various restrictions if that will take place. There could be a full state funeral, but he had previously said he doesn’t want the “fuss” of lying in state at Westminster Hall.
The restrictions on numbers of funeral attendees due to COVID-19 might mean the Queen has to pick which members of the large family are even able to attend the funeral. No public viewings are anticipated.
He will likely be buried at Frogmore Gardens in the grounds of Windsor Castle.
It is also of note that The Duke of Edinburgh was not in line for the royal throne, and the line of succession remains unchanged.