The royal family has long used secret codenames for security and privacy, a tradition that dates back to the era of manual switchboard operators at the palace. According to royal expert Laura Windsor, these names were initially employed to prevent operators from eavesdropping on sensitive conversations. The practice has continued into the modern age, helping to keep travel plans and major events under wraps.
Origins of Royal Codenames
The first known royal death codename was 'Hyde Park Corner' for King George VI, used before his death in 1952. This set a precedent for later operations, which often referenced bridges. The most famous is 'London Bridge', the codename for Queen Elizabeth II's death plans, which were activated in 2022. The Queen was also reportedly referred to as 'Sharon' or 'S' by her security team, while Prince Philip called her 'Lilibet' and 'cabbage' in private.
Prince Philip and King Charles III
Prince Philip's death in 2021 triggered Operation Forth Bridge, named after the Scottish railway bridge and his title as Duke of Edinburgh. King Charles III's operation is called Menai Bridge, referencing a historic Welsh bridge. During a 1971 visit to the US, the Secret Service reportedly nicknamed him 'unicorn', after Scotland's national animal.
Princess Diana and the Queen Mother
Princess Diana and the Queen Mother shared the codename Tay Bridge. Windsor noted that Diana's sudden death meant she had not yet been assigned her own unique codename.
Younger Royals: William, Kate, Harry, and Meghan
Prince William and Kate Middleton used the aliases Danny Collins and Daphne Clark, matching their initials. These likely changed after they became Prince and Princess of Wales. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were known as David Stevens and Davina Scott during their time as working royals, but it is unclear if these names are still in use after their move to the US.
The use of codenames remains a practical tool for the royal family, ensuring discretion in an era of intense media scrutiny.
