Operation Unicorn is a British protocol, which is being followed after the death of the long-reigning royal, Queen Elizabeth II, on September 8, 2022. The protocol has complete and comprehensive details on communicating the death news, instructions to officials about their conduct, and the period of official mourning. The rule dictates what's to be done after the Queen's demise in Scotland. Operation London Bridge would have followed if the Queen died in London.
Once the death was made public, Holyrood Palace, St Giles' Cathedral, and the Scottish Parliament served as the focal point of gatherings, with a condolence book open to the public at the last location.
The parliamentary business will be suspended immediately for at least six parliamentary days to allow authorities to prepare for the funeral. The parliament will then prepare a condolence motion within 72 hours of reconvening. The Queen's coffin will first lie in repose at Holyrood Palace, followed by a service of reception at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh. The casket would then be transported to Waverley station and taken by the Royal Train to London if possible. Otherwise, the coffin would be taken by plane to London and welcomed by the prime minister and cabinet ministers.
Operation London Bridge
Under this protocol, the phrase "London Bridge is Down '' communicated about the Queen's death to newly-elected UK Prime Minister Liz Truss. The protocol has two parts - formalities, which include official announcements, and the impact on society. The plans were first created in the 1960s and updated each year since.
Operation London Bridge also works concurrently with Operation Spring Tide, the plan for her successor's ascension to the British throne. Soon after her death, Prince Charles became the unofficial successor of the Queen.
THE NEWS OF DEATH
The news of the Queen's passing was first communicated by her private secretary and later passed on to PM Truss. The flags were at half-mast within 10 minutes of government officials knowing about her death. The news was communicated to governments of different countries of the Commonwealth of Nations. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's Global Response Centre, based out of a secret location in London, communicated the news to the governments of the 14 other countries of which Elizabeth was Queen. Buckingham Palace also made a TV announcement.
An obit light went off in all commercial radio stations across the UK. British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC's) male presenters wore a black ties before the announcement. The network also showed her portraits, accompanied by the national anthem and the public news of her death. During a 12-day mourning period, BBC will require removing all of its comedy programmes and will likely disrupt the TV schedules.
FUNERAL
The Queen's funeral will occur 10 or 11 days after her passing, which will be a public holiday. Following the funeral, the body would be buried in a prepared tomb at King George VI Memorial Chapel, Windsor Castle, alongside Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
