King Charles III Places Son Harry at the Centre of Funeral Plans

Following in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III is already preparing the details of his funeral. This is known as Operation London Bridge, which, in the case of the current monarch, is called Menai Bridge, referring to the suspension structure that spans the strait of the same name between Anglesey and Wales.

The most striking aspect of the monarch's plans involves the role of his son Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle. Both will have a prominent role, interpreted as a peace offering to the monarch's younger son, with whom he has not spoken for years.

Awaiting the events of the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham—organised by the Duke of Sussex and to which both King Charles III and the heir, Prince William, are invited—the monarch wishes that, when the day of his final farewell arrives, his son will take his rightful place at the centre of the family, thus leaving the door open for reconciliation between the brothers, something that now seems almost impossible.

The details of British royal funerals are prepared years—sometimes even decades—in advance and evolve over time through briefings with senior representatives of the Royal Household, state security forces, and the Church. In this regard, despite the cancer diagnosed in the current sovereign, he continues with his official agenda, and nothing suggests a decline in his health that could end in a tragic outcome.

Despite the family estrangement, it seems that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are aware of Charles III's wishes. According to The Telegraph, Harry is expected to walk alongside his brother—who by then will be the new king—at the forefront of the solemn processions through the streets of central London.

It is also planned that Lady Di's younger son and his wife will participate in the family vigil during the lying-in-state at Westminster Hall, and both will have a prominent role during the funeral, alongside the most important members of the royalty. The plans also include the presence of Archie and Lilibet at the funeral in Westminster Abbey, as well as at the burial in St George's Chapel, Windsor, if they so wish.

It is worth noting at this point that Charles III's relationship with his younger grandchildren is very limited; in fact, the grandfather has only seen little Lilibet once. However, he has considered them, in what seems to be an attempt by the monarch to foster family harmony even after his death.

Charles III's funeral will also reflect his personality and his main commitments during his reign. Therefore, after having focused his efforts throughout his life on initiatives related to environmental protection, it is expected that he will incorporate sustainable elements as much as possible.

Although the Palace has pointed out that the plans are not finalised and may evolve in the coming years, it has also emerged that Camilla's husband has reduced the number of days of mourning. When Elizabeth II passed away in September 2022, the royal mourning period extended a week beyond the funeral. In Charles III's case, it will begin with his death and last until the day of the funeral, which will be between ten and eleven days after he breathes his last.

Of course, practical matters regarding the transport of the coffin and other essential procedures in the logistics of the funeral events are also addressed, with the use of the royal train being ruled out.

Although, after losing the court case over his family's security on British soil, Harry stated that he would not travel with his wife and children to his homeland because he cannot guarantee their complete protection, the inclusion of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their offspring in the king's obsequies—setting aside any differences—ensures Charles III the gathering of the entire family at his last public act.