UK Ministers secretly prepare for Queen Elizabeth’s death – Sunday Times reports
UK ministers took part in a secret exercise to prepare for the aftermath of the Queen’s death, according to a report by the Sunday Times. The scale of the high-level gathering was dubbed “unprecedented.”
According to Sunday Times, Thursday’s meeting was chaired by UK Prime Minister Theresa May’s deputy David Lidington, and was attended by Home Secretary Sajid Javid, Leader of the House of Commons Andrea Leadsom, and Scottish Secretary David Mundell. The exercise took place in the same Cabinet Office room where the Cobra emergency committee meets and political aides were banned in an effort to prevent any leaks.
Plans for the 92-year-old Queen’s death have long been in place, and are referred to as ‘London Bridge’. However, the scale of this week’s exercise along with the ministers’ attendance has been described as “unprecedented.”
“This is the first time different ministers have come together in one room,” an unnamed Whitehall source told the Times. “Previously it has only been officials.”
The Queen’s eldest son Prince Charles is next in line for the crown, with his son William to take his place after his death. New currency with the new king’s face on it would begin to circulate.
Queen Elizabeth has been head of the monarchy for 65 years, making her the longest serving British monarch.
Credit: UK Reuters, Sunday Times.
