The Buckingham Palace has began planning the funeral of King Charles III in readiness for his demise as his health continues to worsen.
According to an insider who believe “death is a possibility”, ‘Operation Menai Bridge’ , the code name for the funeral plans of the ailing royal has picked up speed following his cancer diagnosis.
“The business of planning his funeral has already begun. Unpleasant as it seems,” the insider told the Touch newspaper.
Buckingham Palace announced in February that King Charles had been diagnosed with prostrate cancer after he was hospitalised for prostate surgery earlier that month.
“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,” the announcement read.
Since then, he has since resumed royal duties, but has been seen less in public, with appearances limited to short periods of time before he is whisked away to continue resting.
“He’s making public appearances, but they’re for shorter periods of time,” noted the source. “He’s often whisked in by helicopter and then whisked out. After an engagement, he needs a good rest.”
“The palace is giving the impression that Charles is on the mend, but he’s still very sick,” the insider explained. “Still, he’s the king and palace officials are practical enough to know death is a possibility.”
As with all royals, the king’s funeral plans are named after a bridge, with his named after Menai Bridge which is a suspension bridge in Wales, a nod to King Charles III’s longtime role as the Prince of Wales.
The first act after his death will be informing the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom by his private secretary.
The cabinet secretary will then convey the news to ministers and senior civil servants. After that the Foreign and Commonwealth offices communicate the news to the governments of the fourteen other countries of which Charles was king (the Commonwealth realms), and to the governments of the other countries of the Commonwealth of Nations. What will follow is the official announcement of his demise, the period of official mourning and the details of his state funeral.
The funeral plans are reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis, and in the case of Charles who just recently ascended the throne, there has not been much time to make changes and hence are very urgent.
Charles has been the reigning monarch since ascending the throne in May 2023 following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth in September 2022.
Heir apparent since 1952, Charles waited more than 70 years to wear the crown. At 73, he was the oldest person in British history to accede to the throne.
When Charles dies, the royals have arranged to have a ceremony worthy of a King, depicting his distinct tastes such as orchestral music and his love for nature.
“Officials will make sure a funeral for the king meets his wishes and expectations while following proper protocol,” the insider continued. “Charles at least can find some peace in that.”
More plans include involving the heir to the throne Prince William in the plans of his accession in the event his father dies.
“William has taken on a bigger role and Charles has drawn him in on much of the decision-making,”the source noted.
