King Charles' ‘Funeral Plans’ Could Heal Royal Rift With Harry and Meghan, Claims New Report
King Charles may seem hale and hearty, but royal protocol requires him to plan his state funeral well in advance of his actual passing. Strange as the tradition may seem, the late Queen Elizabeth reportedly began organizing her funeral as early as 1960 — a plan known as ‘Operation London Bridge.’ Now, a new report claims that Charles’s 'funeral plans' will involve Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in a significant way to help restore harmony between them and the rest of the royal family.
The plans are reportedly called ‘Operation London Bridge,’ replacing the former codename ‘Operation Menai Bridge’ after Charles's ascension to the throne. According to a report by The Telegraph, along with Harry and Markle, the monarch also plans to include their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in the funeral arrangements. The report mentions that the Sussexes remain involved in the plans at the highest level, with Harry expected to walk alongside future King William during the sombre processions through the streets of central London, if Charles were to perish. Harry and Markle’s behind-the-scenes involvement in briefings and rehearsals is intended to avoid further rupturing of relations with the couple.
The report also claims that the Sussexes will be invited to take part in the family vigil during Charles’s funeral at Westminster Hall. They are also expected to play a prominent role alongside senior royals during the funeral service. It is reported that planning for such ceremonial events begins years in advance, involving coordination with senior representatives from the royal household, police, military, and the Church. The King's funeral will allegedly reflect his lifelong commitment to the environment, with sustainable elements incorporated into the ceremony wherever possible.
Royal author Robert Hardman details the said plans in his 2024 book, New King, New Court Charles III: The Inside Story. He penned that news of the King's passing will first be shared with government officials and senior figures using coded messages, followed by an official Buckingham Palace announcement. According to The Royal Insider, Charles's funeral is expected to take place around nine days after his death, similar to Queen Elizabeth’s. His body will be moved from the Buckingham Palace throne room to Westminster Hall to lie in state. Royal Protection officer Simon Morgan also told Today that funeral planning had already begun when Charles became King. He explained, "He [Charles] 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."
Hardman also discussed plans for William's ceremonial funeral if he were to pass away as heir to the throne. He wrote, "Prince William’s plans had previously been codenamed Operation Clare Bridge, after the famous crossing over the Cam, during his days as Duke of Cambridge... You need a plan for everything." William would also likely use 'Operation London Bridge' as the codename for his future funeral planning when he ascends the throne after Charles's passing.