Operation Fourth Bridge: What will happen now after Prince Philip’s death?

Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, has died aged 99, Buckingham Palace has announced.

Buckingham Palace said: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.”

Prince Philip was the longest-serving British Consort in history.

It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. pic.twitter.com/XOIDQqlFPn

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 9, 2021

“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.”

Boris Johnson said he “inspired the lives of countless young people”.

Speaking at Downing Street, the prime minister further added: “He helped to steer the Royal Family and the monarchy so that it remains an institution indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life.”

What will happen now after the death of the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip’s death?

What is Operation Forth Bridge?

Operation Forth Bridge is the plan of what will happen when the Britain Queen’s husband, Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, passes. The Duke was closely involved with the details of Operation Forth Bridge. The name refers to a suspension bridge linking Edinburgh to Perth; the Queen and the Duke attended the dedication ceremony for the bridge in 1964.

The National Mourning period

The United Kingdom (which includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) will enter a national period of mourning that will last until the funeral upon the death of the Duke of Edinburgh, according to The Greater London Lieutenancy. The national mourning period will be “observed by all,” including national representatives serving abroad.

What happens during a national mourning period

• Flags will be lowered to half-mast, except the Royal Standard flag, which flies above Buckingham Palace and will not be lowered because it never is; since it represents the monarchy, which is continuous.
• The ceremonial “mace” will be draped in black or adorned with a black bow.
• Members of Parliament will wear black armbands (three-and-one-quarter inches wide) on their left arm and, in the case of male members, black ties.
• Local governments (cities, towns, villages, etc.) will be asked to give “careful thought” to their carrying on of official business.

The royals during national mourning

As soon as the death of the Duke of Edinburgh is announced, members of the royal family, royal households, and representatives of the royal family will have to wear dark colours and mourning bands. All social engagements will be cancelled during the national mourning period. However, the official engagements may be fulfilled. 

The Queen’s mourning period

During the national mourning period, The Queen is most likely not conduct any affairs of state during the national mourning period, which, among other things, means no new laws will be passed. 

The Mourning service 

Just like Queen’s consort, Prince Philip is entitled to a state funeral, however, it is believed that he did not wish to have a large service. The funeral will be attended only by the members of his family, friends and heads of state from the Commonwealth countries, based on the Duke’s wishes.

The funeral is likely to be held at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle but the date is yet to be announced. As per Prince Philip’s wish, the funeral private and not have a state funeral, it is unlikely that TV cameras will be allowed into the chapel.

Prince Philip will be buried in Frogmore Gardens, in the grounds of Windsor Castle. Most of Britain’s monarchs are buried in Westminster Abbey and St George’s Chapel

However, there will be two Bank Holidays when the Queen dies but there will be no bank holiday on the day of Prince Philip’s funeral

After the funeral

After the funeral of the Queen’s husband, it is expected that the Queen will resume her royal duties. However, there is no guarantee that she will. 

After Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, passed in December 1861, Victoria remained in isolation for years, She did not even appear for the opening of Parliament (the Queen is expected to open each session of Parliament) and refused to speak (as is customary) when she finally appeared, leaving that to the Lord Chancellor instead.

 Pre-recorded news segments

Almost every major news organization have pre-recorded articles, news segments, and films already recorded or written. “The Times is said to have 11 days of coverage set to roll out, while Sky News and ITN, which have been practicing for years substituting the name ‘Mr. Robinson,’ have signed contracts with royal experts who will speak exclusively on their channels,” The Week reported.

The line of succession won’t change

The royal line of succession will not be affected since Prince Philip was not in it. Queen Elizabeth II will remain on the throne until her death, and her eldest son, Prince Charles, will ascend the throne after her death.