Despite reigning as Britain’s monarch for just 18 months, King Charles III’s funeral arrangements have already been established as he fights pancreatic cancer.
Dubbed “Operation Menai Bridge,” the funeral processions will bear resemblance to those of Queen Elizabeth II, known as “Operation London Bridge.”
As his cancer progresses, royal insiders tell In Touch that Charles’ final resting plans are of timely prioritization. “It’s a fairly common thing to do among the British royalty, but in Charles’ case expediency is necessary,” says the source, who notes that “some courtiers believe Charles’ cancer is worse than they’re making it out to be.”
“Operation Menai Bridge” is set to include familiar protocols. When the monarch dies, Charles’ body will be moved from the throne room at Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall. He will lie in state, and his official funeral will take place nine days later. He will likely be buried in the royal vault at Windsor Castle. “It will have all the pomp and circumstance befitting a British monarch,” adds the source.
The recent update follows closely after another high-ranking royal insider informed In Touch that Charles is not only facing pancreatic cancer—an important clarification since he hadn’t disclosed the specific type of cancer—but also has a limited two-year life expectancy.
“King Charles is much sicker than the palace lets on and simply isn’t up to the job of running his fractious family, the crown’s business interests and fulfilling the daily duties of the monarchy,” the member of the royal inner circle revealed in early March. “His cancer is eating him alive. He’s very frail. The situation is desperate.”
Royal observers have started noticing his deterioration as well. While he will be attending a service at Windsor on Easter Sunday, the king’s absence from the royal calendar is noticeable for the foreseeable future.
Instead, he is heavily relying on his sister, Princess Anne, to carry out the duties of the royal family. While many might have expected his heir, Prince William, to take on more responsibilities, he too is absent from the royal schedule due to Princess Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis and treatment.
