News | Sep 16, 2022 08:25 PM EDT

Queen Elizabeth II's Death Leaves Personal Staff Extremely Devastated Despite Being Prepared For It

By Alexandria Reeves

The royal family and staff prepared for Queen Elizabeth II's death, but her passing still left everyone devastated.

The greatest fear of the monarchy happened last week when the Queen died at Balmoral Castle. She passed away a few hours after her doctors said they were concerned about her health.

Amid the events to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's life and mourn her death, her loyal personal staff are reportedly heartbroken despite preparing for it a long time ago.

In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, a source close to the royal family revealed the inconsolable state the staff are currently in.

"They are incandescent with grief. However much you are prepared for it, after a lifetime of service, it was still a terrible shock," the insider revealed.

Their love for Her Majesty was felt when Buckingham Palace allowed the public viewing of her coffin on Thursday. Even the royal family members were left touched and shocked after seeing the royal fans who created a five-mile line just to see Queen Elizabeth II's for the last time.

For Prince William, he said that it reminded him of Princess Diana's funeral in 1997.

Queen Elizabeth II's Operation London Bridge Explained

Queen Elizabeth II's death was shared with the world by saying the word "London Bridge Is Down."

Before her passing, the documents related to "Operation London Bridge" were publicized, saying that the phrase "London Bridge Is Down" would mean the Queen had died.

According to Politico, the documents included the action required to do after the tragic event. It revealed that the prime minister and the Cabinet would meet the Queen's coffin while the new monarch embarks on a tour days before the funeral.

The 10-day plan started with the royal household issuing an official notification and ended with the Queen's burial in the castle's King George VI Memorial Chapel.

Queen Elizabeth II's funeral on Monday will welcome the public in pursuit of uniting people across the globe. Buckingham Palace said that the people would see the Queen for the last time and join royal family members, heads of state, and the military as they bid their goodbyes.

"It is our aim and belief that the state funeral and events of the next few days will unite people across the globe and resonate with people of all faiths, whilst fulfilling Her Majesty and her family's wishes to pay a fitting tribute to an extraordinary reign," The Earl Marshal said.