an inquiry is launched into how the 'full' details of operation london bridge came to be published online amid 'deep frustration' from buckingham palace
A leak inquiry was under way last night to establish how ‘full’ details of what will happen in the ten days after the Queen’s death came to be published on a news website.
There was said to be ‘deep frustration’ at Buckingham Palace over what was widely seen as a hugely indiscreet and tactless confidentiality breach in Whitehall, particularly so soon after the death of the Duke of Edinburgh in April.
Official plans for the Queen’s death and funeral have long been in place and are frequently updated and rehearsed, but they have largely been treated with respectful discretion.
The Politico website claimed to have obtained the ‘full extent’ of Operation London Bridge. Its report added: ‘The Queen, who is 95 years old, is in good health by all accounts and there is no suggestion these plans have been revisited with any urgency.’
A leak inquiry was under way last night to establish how ‘full’ details of what will happen in the ten days after the Queen’s death came to be published on a news website
Royal officials declined to discuss the leak, making clear it was a matter for government. But one source with knowledge of the situation said: ‘It is deeply troubling to have confidential documents of this nature leaked in their entirety. The household is understood to be deeply unhappy about what has happened.’
Civil servants were last night trying to find out exactly which version of the plan has been leaked.
The fuller version with much more sensitive detail is less widely circulated, and, if it were established that it is in the public domain, the Cabinet Office is likely to launch a formal inquiry. Security around the documents may be reviewed.
Royal author Angela Levin said: ‘I think it is awful and cruel to release the top-secret plans about the Queen’s death. Where are our morals?’ A previous version of Operation London Bridge was revealed by The Guardian in 2017.
There was said to be ‘deep frustration’ at Buckingham Palace over what was widely seen as a hugely indiscreet and tactless confidentiality breach in Whitehall, particularly so soon after the death of the Duke of Edinburgh in April
The newly leaked documents include updated plans for a ten-day period of mourning between the monarch’s death – on what is to be called D-Day – and a planned State funeral, Politico reported.
The Prime Minister, Cabinet and government will be informed, before a public announcement is issued through the Press Association news agency. Flags across Whitehall will be lowered to half-mast – the aim is to do so within ten minutes of the announcement.
The Royal Family website will have a black holding page, and government social media pages will adopt a black banner. The PM will hold an audience with the new king and, at 6pm, Charles will broadcast to the nation. Before the funeral at Westminster Abbey, Charles will tour the four UK nations in line with Operation Spring Tide, the plan for his accession.
The Department for Transport had raised concerns over pressure on London’s infrastructure as crowds arrive to pay their respects, the documents indicate.
Official plans for the Queen’s death and funeral have long been in place and are frequently updated and rehearsed, but they have largely been treated with respectful discretion