Just 18 months ago, King Charles III became Britain’s monarch, but plans for his funeral have already been made amid his battle with pancreatic cancer.
The king’s funeral procession, called “Operation Menai Bridge”, will look similar to the funeral ceremony of Queen Elizabeth II, which was called “Operation London Bridge.”
As the cancer progresses, informed sources told In Touch that Charles’s final funeral plans should be a priority in due course.
The sources added: “It is a fairly common occurrence among members of the British royal family, but in Charles’ case, the method is necessary,” noting that “some courtiers believe that Charles’ cancer is worse than they imagine.”
“Operation Menai Bridge” is scheduled to include familiar protocols: when the king dies, Charles’ body will be transferred from the throne room in Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, where his body will lie, and his state funeral will be held 9 days later. He is likely to be buried in the royal vault at Windsor Castle.
The sources add: The funeral “will enjoy all the pomp and circumstances befitting a British king.”
A high-ranking source from within the royal family told In Touch that King Charles is not only fighting pancreatic cancer, but that he only has two years left to live.
The member of the royal inner circle revealed early on that “King Charles is much sicker than the palace is letting on, and is simply unable to manage his divided family, the commercial interests of the Crown, and fulfill the day-to-day duties of the monarchy. The cancer is eating him alive. He is very weak. The situation is desperate.” .
Royal observers have begun to see a decline in his health as well. Although he will be out on Easter Sunday to attend a service at Windsor, the king is absent from the royal calendar for the foreseeable future, instead relying heavily on his sister, Princess Anne, to do the work of the royal family.
While many had assumed that his heir, Prince William, would ascend to the scene, he is also missing from the royal schedule due to Princess Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis and treatment.
However, additional sources told In Touch that there may be more going on between Charles and William outside of the family health crises, as the King is under the impression that William is not ready to take the throne.
Another source revealed: “Charles knows the pressures of being king, and he is not sure that William is ready to take his place,” noting that William “is currently facing a PR disaster, and there may be consequences.”
With such an update on the current state of the royal family, the future of the monarchy looks fragile at best, and even Queen Camilla is said to be frustrated by Charles’ deteriorating health and poor standing.
Menai Bridge Operation
- “Operation Menai Bridge” is the code name for plans relating to the death of King Charles III, and the name refers to a suspension bridge in Wales.
- The plan includes an announcement of his death, a period of official mourning, and details of his state funeral.
- Planning for the King’s funeral began immediately after Charles’ accession to the throne following the death of his mother and predecessor, Queen Elizabeth II.
The British monarch is “frustrated” with the pace of his recovery from cancer
Deaths and previous operations
- When King George VI died, the news was communicated using the phrase “Hyde Park Corner”, to avoid Buckingham Palace switchboard operators finding out the news too early.
- When Queen Elizabeth Mother died, Operation Tie Bridge was launched posthumously.
- When Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh died, the code name was Operation Fourth Bridge.
- When Queen Elizabeth II died, the code word was “London Bridge is down.” Since Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, Operation Unicorn was also applied posthumously.
