MINISTERS have rehearsed plans for the death of the Queen in an “unprecedented” exercise, it has been reported.
The secret exercise was based around preparations for 10 days of national mourning in the aftermath of Queen Elizabeth II's passing.
Cabinet minister David Lidington chaired a detailed meeting on Thursday, The Times reports.
Home secretary Sajid Javid and leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom are also reported to have been in the planning session.
The exercise – dubbed “Castle Dove” – focused on the day after the Monarch's death and when Prime Minister Theresa May would make public statements.
Its timing is not believed to be a response to any specific health concerns.
The 92-year-old pulled out of Thursday's event at St Paul's Cathedral which was attended by Hollywood star Angelina Jolie. It is understood no doctor was called.
A spokeswoman for the Palace said: “The Queen is feeling under the weather today and has decided not to attend this morning's service at St Paul's Cathedral marking the 200th anniversary of the Order of Michael and St George.”
A plan for the Queen's death, known as “London Bridge” has long been discussed but this week's exercise is said to have been on an “unprecedented” scale.
A Whitehall Source told The Times: "This is the first time different ministers have come together in one room.
"Previously it has only been officials." A cabinet minister reportedly added: “Things have clearly been stepped up because of the ageing process.”
Previous reports have suggested the PM will be one of the first people to be told before any official announcement.
It is believed that the Queen's private secretary will call the PM on a secure line and then utter the code: "London Bridge is down”.
Queen Elizabeth II turned 92 in April and has been Monarch for 65 years.
In 2016 – the year she turned 90 – the monarch called time on her
overseas travels, leaving long-haul destinations to the younger members
of her family.
But she still has a busy diary of events, and in 2017 carried out 296 engagements.
Prince Charles, who turned 67 last November, is next in line to take the throne.
This week a new book came out claiming to detail the Queen's sex life with Prince Philip.
By Charlotte Ikonen
Cabinet minister David Lidington chaired a detailed meeting on Thursday, The Times reports.
Home secretary Sajid Javid and leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom are also reported to have been in the planning session.
The exercise – dubbed “Castle Dove” – focused on the day after the Monarch's death and when Prime Minister Theresa May would make public statements.
Its timing is not believed to be a response to any specific health concerns.
The 92-year-old pulled out of Thursday's event at St Paul's Cathedral which was attended by Hollywood star Angelina Jolie. It is understood no doctor was called.
A spokeswoman for the Palace said: “The Queen is feeling under the weather today and has decided not to attend this morning's service at St Paul's Cathedral marking the 200th anniversary of the Order of Michael and St George.”
A plan for the Queen's death, known as “London Bridge” has long been discussed but this week's exercise is said to have been on an “unprecedented” scale.
A Whitehall Source told The Times: "This is the first time different ministers have come together in one room.
"Previously it has only been officials."
Previous reports have suggested the PM will be one of the first people to be told before any official announcement.
It is believed that the Queen's private secretary will call the PM on a secure line and then utter the code: "London Bridge is down”.
Queen Elizabeth II turned 92 in April and has been Monarch for 65 years.
But she still has a busy diary of events, and in 2017 carried out 296 engagements.
Prince Charles, who turned 67 last November, is next in line to take the throne.
This week a new book came out claiming to detail the Queen's sex life with Prince Philip.
By Charlotte Ikonen