What is Operation Unicorn, and how it is different from Operation London Bridge

Queen Elizabeth II died “peacefully at Balmoral Castle” in Scotland on Thursday, September 8, 2022. Her son Charles will now be taking over as King while Camilla will now become the Queen Consort. 

The longest reigning monarch of Britain, Queen Elizabeth marked 70 years on the throne this year. Most members of the royal family were with the Queen when she died. 

Also Read: Queen Elizabeth II death: How Prince Charles accession to king works

Prince Charles says the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, “is a moment of the greatest sadness” for him and his family.

What is Operation Unicorn?

Operation Unicorn, which was triggered on Thursday, was a set of plans that prepared the United Kingdom for the Queen’s death. It is similar to Operation London Bridge, with a few minor alterations.

Operation Unicorn was designed in case the Queen died in Scotland, north of the English border. The operation was named after the mythological creature, which also happens to be Scotland’s national animal.

According to the Scotsman newspaper, “parliamentary business would immediately be suspended to allow authorities to prepare for the Queen’s state funeral” after Operation Unicorn is put in place.

At the end of both operations, British authorities would commence Operation Spring Tide, which will be the coronation of King Charles III. No date has been set for his coronation. And it’s not immediately clear whether the new monarch would call himself Charles III or choose another name, as his grandfather did.

Also Read: Queen Elizabeth II dead: Why Camilla will be Queen Consort, not Queen ?

What changes should you expect?

At the end of all three operations, Britain would have a new monarch after 70 years. King Charles III would take the throne.

The British national anthem would also be amended after Queen Elizabeth II’s successor takes the throne. The national anthem is currently called “God Save the Queen.” United Kingdom’s currency will also change over time. The new currency will carry pictures of the new monarch.