OPERATION FORTH BRIDGE
What happens next after Prince Philip’s death?
PRINCE Philip, the oldest member of the Royal Family, has died at the age of 99.
Operation Forth Bridge is the plan in place for the Duke of Edinburgh’s death.
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What happens now Prince Philip has died?
Prince Philip has been by Queen Elizabeth II’s side for every step of her reign.
The code name for the plan after his death - Operation Forth Bridge - refers to a suspension bridge linking Edinburgh to Fife.
It includes funeral plans, where he will be laid to rest and a national mourning period to be observed in the UK.
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What is Operation Forth Bridge?
When a member of the Royal Family dies, there is a plan to follow regarding their funeral and the place where they will be laid to rest.
It also includes how the rest of their family will change their commitments in the days following the death.
Operation Forth Bridge is the plan for what will happen after Prince Philip’s death.
There is also a plan for Queen Elizabeth II’s death - named Operation London Bridge.
The Duke of Edinburgh was involved with the details of Operation Forth Bridge just as the Queen has been with the plans for her death.
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Is there a mourning period?
Yes, the UK will enter a mourning period that will last until Prince Philip’s funeral.
It is to be “observed by all”.
During this period, flags will be lowered to half-mast, with the exception of the Royal Standard flag above Buckingham Palace - which is not lowered as it represents the monarchy.
In Parliament, MPs will wear black armbands on their left arm and newsreaders will wear black clothes.
Members of the Royal Family will also wear dark colours and mourning bands.
During this period, the Queen will most likely not conduct any affairs of state.
Her official mourning period will last eight days.
After that there will likely be a further mourning period of 30 days before the monarch is expected to return to her royal duties.
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When will the funeral take place and who will attend?
As the 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.
Only members of his family, friends and heads of state from the Commonwealth countries will attend the funeral, based on the Duke’s wishes.
It will likely be held at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle but the date is yet to be announced.
Will the funeral be aired on TV?
Given Prince Philip’s wish to keep his funeral private and not have a state funeral, it is unlikely that TV cameras will be allowed into the chapel.
Will we have a Bank Holiday on the day of the funeral?
No, but there will be a period of national mourning.
There will be two Bank Holidays when the Queen dies.
One will be the day of her funeral and one on the day Prince Charles becomes king.
more on Prince Phillip
Where will he be buried?
Prince Philip will be buried in Frogmore Gardens, in the grounds of Windsor Castle.
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Most of Britain’s monarchs are buried in Westminster Abbey and St George’s Chapel.
Queen Victoria chose to be buried in Frogmore Gardens alongside her husband, Prince Albert, who died 40 years before her.
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