14 things that will happen when Prince Philip dies
Prince Philip - the husband of Queen Elizabeth II - turns 100 on June 10, 2021. We wish him many more birthdays, but the question arises: what will happen when the prince dies?
Code "Operation Forth Bridge"
In the same protocol as the action plan called "Operation London Bridge", intended to be deployed at the time of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, a plan called "Operation Forth Bridge" applies to that of her husband, the Prince. Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
As the Queen did for Operation London Bridge, the Duke has validated all the details of Operation Forth Bridge. The name comes from the suspension bridge that connects Edinburgh to Perth. The Queen and the Duke inaugurated it in 1964.
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Announcements in advance
It is customary to warn the public that a member of the royal family is living his last hours, through the Palace bulletin, as was the case with Queen Victoria and George V, recalls The Guardian.
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Nothing without royal ordinance
At the fateful moment, it will be the Lord-Grand-Chamberlain (today, the Earl of Peel), who will meet with the Prime Minister (currently Boris Johnson), and then receive the Queen's specific instructions on the press release. announcing the death and the funeral. Everything will be put on hold until the formal announcement from Buckingham Palace.
If the Queen died before her husband, these instructions would be given by the reigning monarch (in principle, Prince Charles).
You will be surprised to learn that Queen Elizabeth II never had to do these little daily gestures!
The broadcast of the official announcement
This scenario is expected to be activated, and Buckingham Palace to announce the death of Prince Philip to the media within hours. However, if the death occurred overnight, the announcement would normally be made at 8 a.m. Traditionally, the BBC has been the first to hear about the death of a member of the royal family. This is no longer always the case, since the alert was issued by the news wire.
Reports in reserve
Almost all of the major news media have archive films, articles and reports already recorded and edited in reserve. “The Times would have 11 days of reporting in bank, while Sky News and ITN have been preparing for the event for years under the pseudonym 'Mr. Robinson'; they got royalty experts to sign exclusive contracts for their respective channels, ”according to The Week.
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The declaration of national mourning
On the death of the Duke of Edinburgh, the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) will begin a national mourning which will last until the funeral, according to The Lord Lieutenant of Greater London. The period of national mourning must be observed by all, including British representatives abroad.
Protocol during the grieving period
During the period of national mourning:
- The flags will be half-masted, with the exception of the royal standard floating over Buckingham Palace (symbol of the continuity of the monarchy).
- The ceremonial mace will be draped in black and adorned with a black buckle.
- Members of Parliament will wear a black armband (8.25 cm / 3¼ ″ wide) on their left arm, in addition to a black tie for men.
- Local governments (cities, towns, etc.) will be asked to "think carefully" before authorizing the continuation of their official activities.
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The royal family during national mourning
When the death is announced, members of the royal family, the royal household and all their representatives must be dressed in dark colors and wear an armband (these symbols always accompany them on their travels). During the period of mourning, all social gatherings will be canceled, but state affairs will continue.
The royal family during national mourning
When the death is announced, members of the royal family, the royal household and all their representatives must be dressed in dark colors and wear an armband (these symbols always accompany them on their travels). During the period of mourning, all social gatherings will be canceled, but state affairs will continue.
Funerals
As Prince Consort, Prince Philip is entitled to a state funeral (which involves the Burning Chapel display in Westminster Hall and burial in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle).
But Prince Philip is said to have chosen a private military funeral in St George's Chapel and a burial in Frogmore Gardens, where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert rest.
The guests at the funeral
According to the wishes expressed by Prince Philip, only family, close friends and heads of state of Commonwealth countries will be able to attend the funeral, reports The Independent.
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Standing in homage to the royal family
The funeral of Prince Philip will be one of the rare occasions for the royal family to attend a private funeral. Traditionally, she attends state funerals only, delegating royalty to private funerals.
When the royal family enters the chapel, everyone in attendance will rise and remain standing until their members are seated, says Debrett’s noble directory, the benchmark in British etiquette.
After the funeral
After her husband's funeral, the Queen is scheduled to resume her royal duties, but without any guarantees. After the death of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband, in December 1861, she remained cloistered for years, not even attending the opening of Parliament, her role in each new parliamentary session.
When she finally made her presence known, she refused to speak, contrary to tradition, and let the Lord Chancellor do it for her.
Learn more about the rules Queen Elizabeth II broke.
The line of succession will not change
As Prince Philip is not in the order of succession to the throne, his death would not change anything. Queen Elizabeth II will be able to remain on the throne until her death, after which time Prince Charles, her eldest son, will be able to succeed her. And this is what will happen when Prince Charles becomes king.
