The Queen’s royal staff have reportedly been called from across the UK to an emergency meeting at Buckingham Palace.
The news, from various sources, has sent the internet into a meltdown as a number of monarch’s aides and team members from as far as Balmoral in Scotland to her Sandringham Estate in Norfolk and Windsor Castle are headed to the city residence.
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Some reports suggest that the staff will be addressed by the most senior officer of the royal household, Lord Chamberlain, and the Queen’s private secretary, Sir Christopher Geidt.
However, UK radio is reporting, and social media is speculating, the news could be regarding her husband Prince Philip.
The 95-year-old was on public duty yesterday only, opening a new multimillion-dollar grandstand at Lord’s, named after the former England captain Sir Pelham Warner.
Unlike the Queen, Philip’s death will have no major constitutional implications. Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, the couple’s youngest child, will inherit his title.
After his death, eight days of official mourning would be observed by all staff members at the palace and the Queen would suspend her duties for about 30 days. The BBC would be tasked with announcing the news.
Flags at major educational institutions, as well as naval and military establishments, given his time served with the Royal Navy, would be flown at half-mast.
The Royal Standard flag which usually flies above the palace when the Queen is in residence would not be lowered to half mast following the Duke’s death.
Media have now begun gathering at the gates of the palace and more updates are awaited.
Buckingham Palace has yet to comment on the meeting or release a statement.
Official statements from the palace are usually made at 8 am (GST).