King Charles, man who loves himself a squirrel and cannot abide a pen, became England's monarch the moment Queen Elizabeth died (he had his ~official~ formal coronation in May 2023 btw). However, in February 2024, the palace released an official statement with an update on the King's health:
"During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual."
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Given that 75-year-old King Charles was diagnosed with cancer after a recent medical visit, it's pretty inevitable that we'll see his son Prince William become the King of England in our lifetime. Of course, there's a detailed plan in place for when that happens—complete with its own codename. Fingers crossed that said plan isn't activated anytime soon, but here's what we know.
There's a Code Name for King Charles' Death
Plans for King Charles' death and state funeral are referred to as "Operation Menai Bridge" (named after a suspension bridge in Wales). And actually, there's a reference to it on The Crown during an episode about Charles' near-miss with an avalanche. The scene in question involves the Queen's secretary briefing her on Charles and somewhat indelicately musing, "We have contingency plans in place for all members of the royal family, Menai Bridge is no exception. It's the code name for the Death of the Prince of Wales."
So yeah, these plans have been in place for quite some time. And while Menai Bridge is under lock-and-key, we have two things to go on: (1) The Guardian’s reporting on the plans that were set in place following the Queen's death, and (2) the fact that we saw with our own eyes exactly what happened in the 11 days between QEII's passing and her funeral.
What Happens on the Day King Charles Dies?
Arrangements for Charles' funeral started being planned pretty much right after he became King—at least, according to former Royal Protection Officer Simon Morgan.
"Unfortunately, as of tomorrow morning planning for Operation Menai Bridge will start in earnest," Morgan told Today on September 20, 2022 and added that, "Even the King said in his acceptance that he will take this role for as long as life allows him to. He is 73 years of age, it's got to be in the back of your mind, and from the police, we've got to start planning again for the future."
Operation Menai Bridge details haven't been leaked as of yet, but they'll likely be very similar to Operation London Bridge—the code name used for the Queen's death. Meaning that on the day King Charles dies, his family will be informed followed by the prime minister (who is currently Rishi Sunak, btw). News will then travel to Commonwealth countries and governments where the King is head of state, and finally the press association.
When the Queen died on September 8, 2022, a source told The Telegraph that, "The King was adamant that the official statement must not be released until all members of the family had been informed. That was a father talking because he cares."
That said, the Queen's passing was pretty wildly known before outlets like the BBC reported on it. This was, in part, because Buckingham Palace had released a statement earlier that day saying, "Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen's doctors are concerned for Her Majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral."
But no matter the order in which people find out, once King Charles dies, a note will be pinned to the gates of Buckingham Palace. (We saw this happen when Queen Elizabeth passed.)
Flags will also be lowered to half-mast—as they were for the Queen.
William Will Immediately Be King
There are two scenarios that can pan out: the King may decide to abdicate and tend to his health while he's still in treatment, which would immediately assign more royal duties to Prince William. The second scneario? Charles passes and William immediately becomes King.
William's coronation won't happen for months after his father passes, but he’ll be the new King the moment Charles dies. William will likely give an address to the nation that same day and will swiftly start meeting with government officials. Meanwhile, King Charles' body will be moved from Buckingham Palace’s throne room to Westminster Hall, where he will "lie in state," as we saw with the Queen.
King Charles' funeral will take place ~nine days after his death (the Queen's was held 11 days after her death), and then he will be laid to rest in the "royal vault" in King George VI Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle.
