Why is ‘London Bridge is down’ the secret code?

THE QUEEN has died at Balmoral at the age of 96.

But what is the “secret code” that informs of the death of the monarch?

Why is ‘London Bridge is down’ the secret code?

The death of any member of the Royal Family has its very own code name.

Prince Philip’s was Operation Forth Bridge, Prince Charles’ is Operation Menai Bridge, and the Queen’s is Operation London Bridge.

When sharing the news of her passing, this will become “London Bridge is down”. 

The “operations” are detailed plans regarding funerals, resting places, mourning periods and family commitments. 

Such details are meant to remain private and embargoed – as they were when the Duke of Edinburgh died in April 2021. 

But top-secret papers detailing plans for the Queen’s death were sensationally leaked in September 2021.

Buckingham Palace aides were said to be “furious” while frantically hunting the mole behind the disclosure.

After the Queen passed away, her private secretary would inform those who must be the first to know, including the Prime Minister, Liz Truss.

Planned protocol will then launch into action with the declaration that “London Bridge is down”, and the day will be known in Whitehall as “D-Day”. 

The blueprint meticulously chronicles preparations for the 10 days from the monarch’s passing to her state funeral at Westminster Abbey.

And it covers everything from Charles’ “mourning tour” of the UK to what royals will post on social media. 

Why are secret codes used for Royal Family members?

Code names have been used for royal deaths for decades.

In 1952, the death of King George VI was declared under the cipher Hyde Park Corner. 

But since the late 20th century, they have been named after prominent UK bridges, often with some relation to the person. 

The Queen Mother’s was Operation Tay Bridge – named after the railway crossing between Dundee and Fife. 

It was reportedly rehearsed for 22 years before its eventual use in 2002. 

For Charles, the Prince of Wales, Operation Menai Bridge comes from a suspension bridge in the country. 

What was Prince Philip’s secret code?

The secret code for Prince Philip’s death was Operation Forth Bridge.

It got its name from a suspension bridge linking Edinburgh to Fife, perfect for the Duke of Edinburgh. 

The Queen’s late husband, who died “peacefully” at the age of 99, was thoroughly involved in the planning for his “operation”. 

It saw his coffin arrive at St George’s Chapel in Windsor in a specially-adapted Land Rover, as per his specific instructions.