GettyEarlier today a fake news site published a story saying that Queen Elizabeth II had died, which is of course nonsense as neither her majesty or Prince Phillip have popped their clogs.
But what would happen if dear old Queenie did die? Well quite a lot actually according to Business Insider.
On the fateful day that Lizzie passes on, the country will enter a twelve day period of mourning affecting pretty much everything from what’s on the telly to the financial markets.
GettyDepending on how the Queen dies there are two ways it could be announced. The first is that she dies after a period of long illness, which will see the BBC (and most likely every other channel in the UK) disrupt their planned programming to announce her passing.
The Beeb will also cancel every comedy programme planned until after her funeral.
If she dies unexpectedly – like in an accident – then the palace will do their best to control the announcement but it will likely spread over social media like wildfire.
GettyUpon her death Prince Charles will, finally, become King Charles and new stamps and currency will be produced with his mug on it and of course, the national anthem will be changed as well.
MP’s will have to swear their loyalty to the new monarchy (republicans are allowed to cross their fingers) and Prince William will ascend the royal ladder to become the Prince of Wales.
Before she’s buried, most likely at Balmoral, Sandringham or besides her father at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, the Queen’s body will lie in state in Westminster Hall.
lacihobo via wikimediaThe hall will be open for 23 hours a day until the funeral and it’s expected the number of mourners will be in the hundreds of thousands based on previous royal funerals.
Twelve days after her death her state funeral will begin with her coffin being taken to Westminster Abbey by gun carriage, to a service led by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
It’s expected that a number of heads of state will attend, while members of the public will line the route.
GettyHowever, the Queen’s death will have wider impacts including questions over the future of the monarchy, with many people believing it to be an outdated institution, and whether the 53 countries she rules over will sever ties.
What a cheery topic for a New Year’s Eve eve…
More of a concept than a journalist, Tom Percival was forged in the bowels of Salford University from which he emerged grasping a Masters in journalism.
Since then his rise has been described by himself as ‘meteoric’ rising to the esteemed rank of Social Editor at UNILAD as well as working at the BBC, Manchester Evening News, and ITV.
He credits his success to three core techniques, name repetition, personality mirroring, and never breaking off a handshake.