The Queen’s death plan was famously known as Operation London Bridge. However, that plan was set in place if the Queen passed away in London. However, as we now know in 2023, Queen Elizabeth II passed away at Balmoral in Scotland. That left room for Operation Unicorn to be put in place.
Discover our latest podcast
Whatever plan was put in action on that September day, it was widely known that it had been extensively discussed by three yearly meetings. In these, the government, police and broadcasters met to discuss the operations regarding Her Majesty’s death.
Now a new BBC documentary set to air on Boxing Day is going to shed light on this event, as well as talk about King Charles III's first year as monarch.
Charles III: The Coronation Year
This 90-minute documentary is set to air on Boxing Day on the BBC. It will be narrated by actress Helena Bonham Carter who coincidently played Princess Margaret in hit show The Crown.
BBC reports that the documentary:
follows the King and Queen as they took on their new roles as sovereign and consort, and as Buckingham Palace planned the first coronation in 70 years
As we approach the release date, snippets are coming out. Exclusive images of the rehearsals for the coronation have been making the rounds as well as reports of Princess Anne's testimony concerning her mother's death and funeral.
Princess Anne reveals that the Queen was concerned about her place of death. Indeed, until her very last moments, duty was at the forefront of her mind and she worried that dying in Scotland would make things more 'difficult'.
The Princess explained:
I think there was a moment when she felt that it would be more difficult if she died at Balmoral. And I think we did try and persuade her that that shouldn’t be part of the decision-making process.
So I hope she felt that that was right in the end, because I think we did.
In the documentary Princess Anne also shares how it felt watching the crown, sceptre and orb be taken away from her mother's coffin.
My mother’s funeral in St George’s, he takes the crown off the coffin – I rather weirdly felt a sense of relief, somehow that’s it, finished. That responsibility being moved on,
What happened during Operation Unicorn?
Operation Unicorn involved immediate suspension of the business at the Scottish parliament, explained The National. The authorities immediately preparing a state funeral. Political businesses were suspended and the funeral took place 10 days after her death. It was confirmed that under Operation London Bridge, her death day was called D-Day.
How things took place
A year later, we now know what happened on the days leading up to the Queen's death and on the day itself. According to reports, all the Queen’s close family members were either at Balmoral or on their way to reach Balmoral – this also includes Prince Harry. We also know that Meghan Markle didn't make that first trip but did make it for the funeral.
We all also remember Huw Edwards announcing the Queen's passing on the BBC—a clip that will be in the History books and used in the upcoming documentary Charles III: The Coronation Year.
Where is Queen Elizabeth II buried?
Even though the Queen passed away in Scotland, the original Operation London Bridge plan was used. That means that Her Majesty’s body was laid to rest at Windsor's King George VI Memorial Chapel. Because she died in Balmoral, there were speculations that under Operation Unicorn, her body may be laid to rest at Holyroodhouse.
Read more:
⋙ Living Nostradamus claims Queen Elizabeth is worried about Archie and Lilibet in the afterlife
⋙ Prince William has changed since Queen Elizabeth died and it could have a big impact on monarchy
⋙ Queen Elizabeth II: Heartbreaking details about monarch's last royal engagement finally revealed
Sources:
BBC News: King Charles III: BBC film goes behind scenes of first year
The Guardian: Late queen worried dying at Balmoral would make things ‘difficult’, says Anne
BBC News: King Charles jokes about 'sausage fingers' with Prince William in Coronation film
The National: Operation Unicorn: What happens if the Queen dies in Scotland?
TIME: All About Queen Elizabeth II’s Burial Site and Its Significance
