'Operation Menai Bridge': What Happens If King Charles III Dies?

Less than two years after Queen Elizabeth II's passing, her son, King Charles III, released a statement through Buckingham Palace announcing his cancer diagnosis. Although the prognosis is allegedly positive, there are already protocols in place in case the worst happens.

After reigning for 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, 2022, and her son, King Charles III, took over immediately as the rest of the royal family and staff adopted a protocol known as "Operation London Bridge."

A similar strategy has already been set in place in case King Charles III's health takes a turn for the worst. Called "Operation Menai Bridge," this arrangement shares several similarities with "London Bridge," but the difference is mainly how it'll affect the monarchy and the British people.

King Charles III's Cancer Diagnosis

On February 5, 2024, Buckingham Palace released a surprising statement about the reigning monarch'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," the palace's Instagram account wrote.

The king started regular treatments and has taken a step back from public events, but his duties in State Business continue as regular. The statement also expressed Charles III's gratitude for the great medical attention he received during his surgery. A message for other cancer patients was added at the end:

"His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer."

The king received support from followers online as well as the current Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, and other prominent public figures. His son, Prince Harry, who has been living in the U.S. for several years, flew to the United Kingdom for a quick visit after learning of the diagnosis.

The Details of Operation Menai Bridge

Although Buckingham Palace's statement has a positive note, King Charles III's age is a concern. The monarch was born on November 14, 1948, and he began his reign at 73. Therefore, his staff is at the ready in case his health takes a dangerous turn.

According to Royal Protection Officer, Simon Morgan, plans for "Operation Menai Bridge," began the day after the late queen's funeral in 2022. "Even the King said in his acceptance that he will take this role for as long as life allows him to," Morgan told the hosts of the Australian talk show "Today."

"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."

If King Charles III dies, royal staff will have to inform the rest of the royal family. The next person informed is the Prime Minister, and the press and public come afterward. The announcement will be written and placed on the gates of Buckingham Palace and all flags will be lowered to half-mast.

The British don't waste time at all, meaning Prince William will take his role as king as the heir. He will have to choose his regnal name. His grandmother and father both kept their real names, so it's likely that Prince William will follow their steps.

However, his coronation won't take place until several months later. King Charles III's ceremony took place eight months after Queen Elizabeth II's passing. The monarch's body will be taken to Westminster Abbey before the funeral to "lie in state."

Time will tell if people will stand in line to see him as they did with his mother. After the late king's funeral, to be held nine days after his death, he will finally be laid to rest in the royal vault at King George VI Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle.

What Is Menai Bridge and Why Are Codenames Necessary?

Menai Bridge is an actual suspension bridge located in Anglesey, Wales, and was presumably designated in King Charles III's honor because he held the title of Prince of Wales for a long time. The king was also particularly connected to the country through organizations and frequent visits.

Using codenames for royals' deaths is a tradition that continues even in today's world, where news flies faster than anyone can imagine. But the protocol comes from a time when palace staff didn't want anything leaked to the press until they were ready.

Decades ago, Buckingham Palace had switchboard operators who would listen on important calls, meaning they could get the news and sell it to the highest bidder. The codenames prevented that, and they're still used, although telecommunications have changed.

The Queen Mother and Princess Diana shared the codename "Operation Tay Bridge," and Prince Phillip's death in 2021 was announced as "Operation Forth Bridge."

The Throne Succession

As mentioned, the current Prince of Wales, Prince William will take on the crown after his father's passing, and Princess Kate Middleton will become Queen Consort, just as Queen Camilla did in 2022. While there's no indication that King Charles III can't perform his official duties, there's the matter of regency.

According to the Regency Act of 1937, if the monarch becomes incapacitated, the person next in line to the throne will take over their duties without an official abdication. This means that Prince William will have all the power of the king without the title.

However, the Regency Act can't happen that easily. Three or more important people, including the Queen Consort, the Lord Chancellor, the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Lady Chief Justice, and the Master of the Rolls have to declare the need for it in writing.

What Happens to Queen Camilla?

Should King Charles III die because the Queen Consort, Camilla Parker-Bowles would take on the title of Queen Dowager, meaning "the widow of the king." Queen Elizabeth II's mother was known as Queen Mother, a name that Camilla could choose for herself as well.

Regarding her role in the family, historian and author, Carolyn Harris, stated that Queen Camilla will most likely keep her charity work in literacy and domestic violence. "She could be an honorary head of military regiments, but that would all be the result of lots of discussion with the new monarch," Harris added.

However, Queen Camilla will likely also leave Buckingham Palace for a much smaller place, like the Queen Mother did when she took residence in Clarence House after King George VI's death. The queen consort cannot assume the throne alone because people who marry into the Royal Family aren't entitled to the role.