Despite giving the impression that the king “is on the mend,” royal experts say that Charles is “still very sick,” and the palace is planning a funeral that’s fit for a king.
Operation Menai Bridge, the code name for plans related to the king’s death, is well underway as “death is a possibility” for the 75-year-old ailing royal, who’s battling cancer.
Keep reading to learn why the king’s funeral plans are so urgent!
When Queen Elizabeth II ascended the royal throne in 1952, plans for Operation London Bridge started shortly after.
The plan, the codename for operations to take place after her death, included details like the announcement of her death, mourning, her state funeral and King Charles III ascension to the throne.
Wishing all Mothers, and those who are missing their Mums today, a peaceful Mothering Sunday. 🌸 pic.twitter.com/0HYLWclasC
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 10, 2024
After the queen died in 2022, the former Prince of Wales, who waited more than 70 years to wear the crown, became the oldest person in British history to accede to the throne.
And he wasn’t able to enjoy his new role for very long.
The King and Queen have led the Royal Family in the historic Order of the Garter Service and Procession at St George’s Chapel in Windsor.
Today’s service is His Majesty’s first time acting as Sovereign of ‘The Order of the Garter’. pic.twitter.com/CLNElnjDfz
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) June 19, 2023
In January 2024, less than one year after his May 2023 coronation, Charles underwent a “corrective procedure” to treat benign prostate enlargement.
In February, only one month after his procedure, the palace announced that cancer – not prostate – was discovered.
“I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes…As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement,” Charles writes in a statement shared February 10, 2024, on the royal family’s social media accounts.
A statement from Buckingham Palace: https://t.co/zmYuaWBKw6
📷 Samir Hussein pic.twitter.com/xypBLHHQJb
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) February 5, 2024
“It is equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organisations which support cancer patients and their families across the UK and wider world. My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience.”
While the king was being treated for an undisclosed type of cancer, his eldest son Prince William took on more royal responsibilities, in addition to offering emotional support to his wife Kate, who announced she was also diagnosed with cancer in March 2024.
Happy Father’s Day, Pa. W pic.twitter.com/pjGuB2iLQ1
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) June 16, 2024
“William has taken on a bigger role, and Charles has drawn him in on much of the decision-making,” a source says.
Recently, the king returned to public-facing duties, but sources reveal that he’s really struggling.
“He’s making public appearances, but they’re for shorter periods of time,” the anonymous person says.” He’s often whisked in by helicopter and then whisked out. After an engagement, he needs a good rest.”
The insider also shares that as “unpleasant as it seems,” the plans for Charles funeral is more urgent with his ailing health.
Confirming these claims, the Daily Beast reports that doom is compounding in the palace and that friends are struggling to stay optimistic. “Of course, he is determined to beat it and they are throwing everything at it,” the close friend shares. “Everyone is staying optimistic, but he is really very unwell. More than they are letting on.”
Operation Menai Bridge
Much like the 10-day plan that outlined operations related to the queen’s death, the king has one of his own, codenamed Operation Menai Bridge, which according to the Daily Beast is “regularly updated.”
All members of the royal family have codewords to be used at their death and the plans are intended to allow a smooth transition of power.
The king’s Operation Menai Bridge – the name of a suspension bridge that connects the island of Anglesey with the Welsh mainland – is a nod to Charles’ previous role as the Prince of Wales.
According to The Independent, code names were put in place to prevent switchboard operators at Buckingham Palace from learning and spreading news of royal deaths, before an official announcement was made.
What happens when he dies
After Charles dies, Prince William, the heir apparent to the British throne, will become king and his wife Kate Middleton will be queen consort.
After an official announcement is made to the public, the new king will deliver a broadcast to the nation, like Charles did when his mom died.
The late king will lie in state in the Palace of Westminster for mourning and his last resting place will most likely be in the royal vault in King George VI Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle.
When the time comes, the royals will be ready for a funeral fit for a King.
“The palace is giving the impression that Charles is on the mend, but he’s still very sick,” an insider tells In Touch in an August 2024 interview. “Officials will make sure a funeral for the king meets his wishes and expectations while following proper protocol.”
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