King Charles' Funeral Plans Updated Amid Claims He Is 'Really Very Unwell': Report
King Charles' funeral plans have been updated amid his cancer battle, according to sources.
On Feb. 5, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles was diagnosed with some form of cancer. He has cut back his public appearances while receiving treatment, but he is still visible on some royal outings. In March, His Majesty attended the Easter church service in Windsor with his wife, Queen Camilla.
Although the King is still visible in public, his funeral plans have reportedly been "dusted off." The people tasked to oversee his funeral plans -- codenamed "Operation Menai Bridge" -- are allegedly hard at work to ensure that the document is updated.
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"The plans have been dusted off and are actively being kept up to date. It's no more than what you would expect given the King has been diagnosed with cancer. But the circulation of them has certainly focused minds," an unnamed source, who is a former staffer with a connection to serving courtiers, claimed via the Daily Beast.
"Of course, they are looking at every aspect of Menai Bridge. The queen's funeral went like clockwork and set a high bar. It's not an emotional thing, it's a job, one taken very seriously, and understandably no one plans to get caught out," another tipster added.
The document detailing "Operation Menai Bridge" is reportedly updated regularly. However, it allegedly dictates that nobody should comment on the plans. The government department tasked with state funerals and the Cabinet Office even declined to comment on such claims, per the Daily Beast.
The royal family members reportedly have codewords for their funeral plans. Queen Elizabeth's plan was known as "Operation London Bridge." The Menai Bridge used for the current monarch refers to the suspension bridge connecting the island of Anglesey with the Welsh mainland.
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A military source has confirmed that the funeral plans are under constant review. According to the source, it is part of their job.
"Planning for the worst is what the military do," they said. "You've got to remember the scale of this thing. The Household Division, under Major General James Bowder, take the lead -- that is seven regiments of Guards. Then you have the entire London District, the Territorial Army regiments and the Royal Horse Artillery. That's before you get to the Navy or Air Force. Charles was closely associated with the Parachute Regiment for years, so they will be involved."
The source said they needed "a giant security operation because every VVIP on the planet is there." Their discussion reportedly includes missile defense against lone wolf attacks. Additionally, talks about the King's funeral plans reportedly started after they laid the previous monarch to rest.
"The whole thing goes from flash to bang in under two weeks which means every aspect of it needs to be meticulously planned in advance. Serious planning for Charles' funeral began the day after they buried the queen," the insider added.
The outlet also spoke to some of His Majesty's pals, and according to them, his health in recent weeks is "not good." Friends and insiders are reportedly concerned that they could lose the King sooner than they imagined. However, the monarch is reportedly fighting for his health.
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"Of course, he is determined to beat it, and they are throwing everything at it. Everyone is staying optimistic, but he is really very unwell. More than they are letting on," one friend said.
The outlet noted that the same insider told The Royalist that the late Queen Elizabeth was dying of bone marrow cancer. The claim was later verified by Gyles Brandreth, a royal friend and biographer.
The Daily Beast reached out to King Charles' officials for comment but did not receive a response.
