Buckingham Palace has diligently prepared a contingency plan, should the unimaginable occur with Princess Kate Middleton, according to the insights shared by royal commentator Bertrand Deckers in his upcoming book.
This carefully crafted protocol has been designated “Operation Reading Bridge,” a heartfelt nod to Kate’s hometown of Reading, thoughtfully chosen by her husband, Prince William.
This intriguing detail was revealed to the public on the 4th of June through Le Figaro, just days ahead of Deckers’ book launch set for June 11th.
Deckers, who is well-versed in the British royal family dynamics, describes the code name choice as “nearly a declaration of love,” underlining William’s sincere involvement in the planning process:
“ORB, the shortened form of this code name, serves as a beautiful reference to one of the most recognized symbols in the Tower of London, representing a globe topped by a cross—signifying Earth under divine rule—held by each monarch on their coronation day.”
For the seasoned royal expert, the selection of this code name is far from random, but rather a “loving tribute” from William to Kate.
Understanding the Traditions: Royal Code Names and Bridge References
In previous protocols, phrases like “London Bridge is down” were used to convey the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, leading to “Operation London Bridge.”
Traditionally, royal family members have designated code names that evoke well-known bridges. For example, the passing of King Charles will be noted by “Operation Menai Bridge.”
The revelation of Princess Kate’s operation comes while the public closely follows her journey, especially after her cancer diagnosis in March 2024 and her subsequent announcement of remission by January, as reported by BUSINESS TIMES.
Princess Kate’s Journey Back to Her Duties and Family Life
Coinciding with the news of the plan, Princess Kate, at 43, resumed her royal commitments with a meeting for the “Early Years” organization at Windsor Castle, as archived in the Court Circular—the formal chronicle of British royal duties—highlighting her gentle comeback to work after a cherished family vacation.
Kate and Prince William devoted their time to being with their children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, during their time off.
Breaking from royal traditions, they elected to have their children attend day school rather than traditional boarding schools.
The family calls Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Great Park home, conveniently close to Windsor Castle, the site of Kate’s recent engagement.
Emphasizing early childhood development is central to Kate’s royal role.
Initiated in 2021, the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood has made significant strides, further bolstered by the launch of the “Shaping Us” campaign in January 2023 and the establishment of a business task force incorporating major companies like IKEA, LEGO, and Unilever.
Prince William’s Return and the Continued Family Challenges
Resuming his royal duties on June 4th, Prince William, now 42, visited the Army Air Corps in Suffolk, marking his inaugural visit as Colonel-in-Chief—a title conferred upon him by King Charles in August 2023 after it was removed from Prince Harry.
During his visit, William’s remarks led many royal enthusiasts to speculate on the ongoing tensions with his brother, Prince Harry.
In a conversation with soldiers during a break, William asked:
“Is everything alright with the families? Are you able to see them often enough? I understand it can be a mixed bag for some.” as reported by the Daily Mail.
What are your thoughts on these royal preparations and the dynamics within the family? Do you view these coded operations as an indication of close bonds or more of a formal arrangement? Share your thoughts with us below!
