What Happens Now The Queen Has Passed Away?

The Queen is a name and face that’s recognized around the world. Her legacy is unlike anything we have ever seen before, and she has a host of world records to her name. The fact she’s the longest-reigning British monarch at 70 years is just one. The fact she was the oldest British Queen at 96 years old and the wealthiest Queen in the world merely helps to add to the incredible legacy she’s left behind.

Tragically, news broke on September 8, 2022, that Queen Elizabeth II had passed away. Behind her, she leaves stories of working as a mechanic in WWII, buying her wedding dress with ration coupons, and how she appeared at more than 21,000 royal engagements throughout her career. From the 54 Commonwealth nations to the UK where the Queen resided, many have been wondering what happens now the Queen has passed away?

D-Day: The day the Queen passes

The news the Queen had passed at 96 years old broke at 6:31 pm on September 8, 2022. Officially, this would be known as D-Day, but there’s a twist. With the news coming so late in the day, D-Day - or Day+0 - officially begins on Friday, September 9. 

D+0: National mourning will be announced

Charles and Camilla will return to London today, where the new king will meet with the prime minister and the Earl Marshal, who’s in charge of the Queen’s funeral. The plan for her passing, Operation London Bridge, has been in place for decades. This will now be merged with Operation Unicorn, a plan created when the Queen moved to Balmoral in Scotland. Charles will also decide the length of mourning for the Royal Family, which is expected to last a month, as well as the national mourning period across the UK. Union flags will all fly at half-mast, bells and gun salutes will chime once for every year of the Queen’s life, and Charles will address the nation as the new sovereign. 

D+1: Charles will hold his first Privy Council

Charles immediately took over as king when the Queen passed away. However, he will officially be proclaimed as the new sovereign on Saturday, September 10. Charles will also be accompanied by the new Queen, Camilla, as he holds his first Privy Council. These are the ones who make his personal declaration and oath, with union flags returning to full mast by the end.

D+2 and 3: The Queen will likely be moved

The Queen passed away in Balmoral in Scotland, meaning she is hundreds of miles away from Buckingham Palace. It’s expected she will be moved to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, on Sunday, September 11 - D+2 - before she’s taken to lie in state at St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh along Royal Mile on D+3. Charles will also start touring the UK nations at some point. 

D+4 and 5: The Queen will likely arrive in London

The Queen’s coffin will be flown down to London to lie in state at Buckingham Palace before her funeral. This will most likely happen on D+4 - Tuesday, September 13 - with a rehearsal for the procession from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster happening at some point on the same day. The following day, D+5, will mark the start of the Queen’s lying in state at Westminster Hall after a procession through the capital. The Archbishop of Canterbury will hold a short service before the public can pay their respects. Senior members of the Royal Family will also pay their own tributes at this time.

D+6, 7, 8, and 9: Lying in state and rehearsals will continue

The next four days mark the Queen lying in state, with rehearsals continuing to take place. This will be for the state funeral and the procession of things through London. 

D+10: The Queen’s state funeral will likely take place

The Queen’s state funeral will mark the first since 1965, when former prime minister Winston Churchill was laid to rest. There is no news of a national holiday, but millions are expected to pay their respects on Monday, September 19, the day known as D+10. Senior members of the family will follow behind, while the Queen’s coffin will likely be pulled by ropes and sailors instead of horses. The military will line the streets, key figures will gather at Westminster Abbey, and a two-minute silence will be held. The Queen will ultimately be laid to rest at the King George VI memorial chapel alongside her mother, father, and sister, while Prince Philip will be moved to join his wife.

What happens now the Queen has passed away? A lot. Alongside the national mourning and the hole she has left behind in the world, there is plenty that needs to happen before the start of Charles’ new chapter as king.