King Charles III became the monarch after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. However, more than one year into his reign, Charles was diagnosed with cancer following a surgery for benign prostate enlargement in January 2024. As his health declined, plans for his funeral were being updated, and friends of the king reported that his health was “not good.” Despite the seriousness of his condition, Charles was determined to beat cancer and everyone around him remained optimistic.
Operation Menai Bridge is the code name given to the former Prince of Wales to reference his death. This name is also shared with the world’s first iron suspension bridge in Anglesey, Wales. The operation is similar to Operation London Bridge, which was the code name used for Queen Elizabeth II. Planning for Operation Menai Bridge reportedly began after Charles ascended to the throne in 2022, with the former Royal Protection Officer, Simon Morgan, confirming that preparations for the king’s death would start in earnest.
Following Charles’ passing, his eldest son, Prince William, is next in line to become the king. His wife, Kate Middleton, would then become queen consort. After informing the necessary individuals about the King’s death, an official notification will be issued to alert the public. The cabinet secretary will email ministers and senior civil servants, flags at Whitehall will be lowered to half-mast, and gun salutes will be arranged by the Ministry of Defence. The prime minister will make a statement, and a minute of silence for the nation will be announced.
The royal family’s website will change to a black holding page with a short statement confirming the King’s death after he passes away. The UK government website, GOV.UK, will display a black banner at the top. All government departmental social media pages will show a black banner and change their profile pictures to their departmental crest. These changes are made to inform the public of the monarch’s death in a respectful manner.
Code names are given to royals to prevent news of their death from leaking to the press before it is officially announced. The use of code names for royal deaths has become more common in recent years. The planning for Operation Menai Bridge began after Charles took the throne, with preparations for his passing being put in place. Prince William is set to succeed Charles as the King following his death, and various official procedures will be followed to announce and mourn the passing of the monarch. The royal family’s website and official government websites will also be updated to reflect the King’s death when it occurs.
