“It is far too risky in the wrong hands. They get given code names, but they are changed regularly for obvious reasons.”
King Charles: Menai Bridge
King Charles once held the title of Prince of Wales, and the Menai Suspension Bridge—a well-known Welsh structure linking Anglesey to the mainland—carries a symbolic connection to that role.
Interestingly, the bridge gets a mention in The Crown during an episode focusing on King Charles’s near-death experience in an avalanche. In one scene, the Queen’s secretary informs her of the incident and says rather matter-of-factly: “We have contingency plans for all members of the royal family, including Menai Bridge. It’s the designated code name for the event of the Prince of Wales’s passing.”
King Charles holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Prince of Wales in history, having held the title for 64 years and 44 days. He was also the oldest to serve in the role.
He was named Prince of Wales at just nine years old after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, ascended the throne. His formal investiture took place in July 1969, in a ceremony held in Wales when he was 20.
During his time in the role, King Charles made a point of embracing Welsh culture. He studied the Welsh language at the University College of Wales for a term and frequently included Welsh phrases in his speeches while visiting the country.
He also established a tradition of spending a week each summer in Wales—known as Wales Week—participating in numerous events and engagements across the country.
Former Royal Protection Officer Simon Morgan has suggested that preparations for King Charles’s future funeral may have begun not long after he took the throne—at least, that’s what’s been claimed.
“Unfortunately, as of tomorrow morning, planning for Operation Menai Bridge will start in earnest,” Morgan told Today on September 20, 2022. He also noted, “Even the King said in his acceptance that he will take this role for as long as life allows him to.
“He 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.”
While no official details of Operation Menai Bridge have been released yet, it’s widely expected to mirror the structure of Operation London Bridge—the protocol that was followed after Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
Based on this, when King Charles eventually passes, the first actions will likely include informing his closest family members, then the Prime Minister. After that, the news will be shared with governments and Commonwealth countries where the King serves as head of state, before finally being announced publicly through the Press Association.
When King Charles passes away, an official notice will be placed on the gates of Buckingham Palace—just as we witnessed after Queen Elizabeth’s death.
Flags across the country will be lowered to half-mast in a sign of mourning, echoing the tradition observed for the late queen.
Although Prince William will instantly become king upon his father’s death, his formal coronation likely won’t happen for several months. That said, he is expected to address the nation on the very same day and begin official duties, including meetings with government leaders.
Meanwhile, King Charles’s body will be moved from the throne room at Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, where he will lie in state—a ceremonial step similar to what was done for Queen Elizabeth.
His funeral is expected to take place around nine days after his death, closely following the timeline of the queen’s funeral, which was held 11 days later.
Afterward, King Charles will be interred in the royal vault within the King George VI Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle.
