Royal funerals are meticulously planned years in advance, reflecting the immense coordination required for such significant state events.
Each member of the royal family is assigned a unique codename for their funeral arrangements, often inspired by bridge names.
The late Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, held in 2022, operated under the codename Operation London Bridge. Similar codes exist for other royals, and recent updates to these plans have been revealed in Robert Hardman’s biography, Charles III.
During an episode of HELLO!’s A Right Royal Podcast, Hardman shared insights into these updates. "Any event involving thousands of troops, extensive police coordination, various services, and global media coverage requires detailed planning," he explained.
Hardman noted that preparations for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral began around 20 years before her passing under the name Operation London Bridge. "The late Duke of Norfolk assigned the bridge-themed codenames to the royal family’s funeral plans. For example, the Queen Mother’s funeral was Operation Tay Bridge, while Charles, then Prince of Wales, was assigned Operation Menai Bridge, named after the iconic structure linking Anglesey and Wales," he said.
Interestingly, the codename for King Charles remains Operation Menai Bridge, but there has been a significant change for Prince William. Previously, his designation was Operation Clare Bridge, inspired by Cambridge, his former title as Duke of Cambridge. However, recent adjustments indicate a shift in these arrangements.
Hardman also mentioned that the Menai Bridge designation extends to William’s family, with his wife, Kate, and their children assigned variations like Menai I, Menai II, and Menai III.
In his updated biography, Hardman delves into other royal matters, including the contents of Queen Elizabeth II’s diaries and the possibility of King Charles reconciling with Prince Harry in the future.
