Buckingham Palace has released a statement saying that Queen Elizabeth II’s doctors are concerned for her health.
It said: “Following further evaluation this morning, The Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision.
“The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral.”
Carefully constructed plans regarding what happens when Queen Elizabeth II dies have been in place since the 1960s, in a process dubbed ‘Operation London Bridge’.
The Queen has missed a number of engagements over the past few months, including the state opening of parliament and a Jubilee service at St Paul’s.
And in a break from tradition, the Queen will appoint the next prime minister of the UK at her Aberdeenshire residence Balmoral on 6 September 2022 rather than in London.
But what plans are in place and what protocols must be followed when the monarch dies?
Here’s what you need to know.