It was a time that everyone knew would come, but one that only Palace aids were prepared for. The logistics of Operation London Bridge, the formal plans drawn up to deal with the death of the head of state, also provided for the eventuality that she could spend her final moments at Balmoral, a place which has long been one of her favourites.
Operation Unicorn – codename for the plans in Scotland – indicated that it would be likely Her Majesty’s coffin will travel from Balmoral to the Palace of Holyroodhouse two days following her death where it is planned she will temporarily rest.
The next stage of Her Majesty’s final journey is a ceremonial procession from Holyrood, which will follow along the Royal Mile to St Giles’ Cathedral for a service attended by members of the royal family. After that service, St Giles’ Cathedral will open to the public for 24 hours for a period of lying at rest, not lying in state because that will take place in London.
The coffin is then expected to be flown to London.
Her Majesty’s coffin is expected to arrive at Buckingham Palace to rest for a few hours before the big first big ceremonial event preceding the funeral.
The Queen’s coffin will be borne from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall for the beginning of five days lying in state. It is expected the coffin will be borne on a gun carriage.
The lying in state is an opportunity for the public to pay their respects. The coffin will be mounted on a catafalque in the middle of Westminster Hall, which will be open to the public for 23 hours a day.
The state funeral will be held at Westminster Abbey. The coffin will be borne from Westminster Hall in a procession to the abbey. There will be two minutes’ silence across the nation. After the one-hour service, a large ceremonial procession will accompany the coffin to Hyde Park, where it will be transferred from gun carriage to state hearse and travel to Windsor.
Finally, after a procession through Windsor, a committal service will be held at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, during which the coffin will be lowered into the royal vault and Her Majesty will finally be able to rest.
