While many fans and followers of the Royal Family are familiar with “Operation London Bridge” – the 10-day plan in effect if Queen Elizabeth II were to die in London – fewer people are aware of “Operation Unicorn”, which The Crown has seen many times. years ago in case the monarch should die in Scotland.
Now that the Queen passed away on Thursday afternoon at the age of 96 at her Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, many are curious about the procedure.
Balmoral Castle
Under “Operation Unicorn,” the Queen’s body will be transferred from Balmoral Castle to her neighboring palace, Holyroodhouse, in Edinburgh, the British monarch’s official residence in Scotland.
Cathedral of St. Giles
The Queen will then be taken to St. Giles’ Cathedral, also in Edinburgh, where the public can pay their respects before her body is placed on the UK’s Royal Train at Waverley Station and travels back to London via the main east coast line, reports The Mirror.
If transported by plane, the plan would be called “Operation Overstudy.”
Health issues
Residents of the UK – and the world in general – expressed concern about the Queen early Thursday after the release of a statement about her health concerns.
“Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen’s doctors are concerned about Her Majesty’s health and have recommended that she remain under medical supervision. The Queen will remain comfortable and in Balmoral,” a spokesman said.
Royal family
King Charles, Queen Consort Camilla and Prince William all traveled to Balmoral to be with the Queen after the news broke.
However, the two daughters-in-law of the late monarch have yet to find their way, as William’s wife, Kate Middleton, was left behind because their children had just started school in Windsor, England.
Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle, also did not join the royal family at Balmoral.