Queen Elizabeth plans evacuation to escape nuclear threats amid concerns for royal family

In the early 1960s, during the height of the Cold War and the Cuban Missile Crisis, plans were initiated by the British government to ensure the safety of Queen Elizabeth II and her consort, Prince Philip, in the event of a nuclear attack. Known as Operation CANDID, these plans entailed evacuating the royals to secure locations away from London or, if feasible, to the sea aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. The inclusion of the Home Secretary in these plans was crucial, as it enabled the Queen to have the necessary Privy Councillors present to make governmental appointments if other politicians remained alive after an attack. Notably, the Royal Yacht, commissioned in 1954, served as a refuge, especially in Scotland's remote sea lochs, where geography would evade potential Soviet detection during a crisis. Planning around the protection of the monarchy sparked interest in wartime logistics and the necessity of royal succession in the aftermath of a disaster. As highlighted by historian Sir Peter Hennessy, this government strategy emphasized the importance of keeping the monarch separate from the War Cabinet to avoid the risk of losing both the monarchy and its governing body in a single incident. The distinct role of the Queen, who uniquely holds the power to appoint a Prime Minister, necessitated that she remain in a secure position, away from the immediate dangers faced by key governmental figures. Despite historical considerations for the protection of the royals, contemporary references to nuclear threats have resurfaced concerns, particularly amid current geopolitical tensions involving Russia. Recent reports indicate that Prince William is increasingly worried about the safety of his children in today's uncertain climate. Although the strategic evacuation plans for King Charles and other current royals remain classified, it is noteworthy that the Royal Yacht Britannia could no longer be utilized after being decommissioned in 1997 under the Labour government. This reflects a significant shift in emergency planning as historical resources are now unavailable to modern royal evacuations. The policies established more than 60 years ago provide a fascinating glimpse into the British monarchy's approach to national security and their contingency strategies in the event of catastrophic events. The historical context reveals the ongoing commitment to royal succession protocols, even against the backdrop of evolving threats, and the critical nature of an intact government, ready to function post-crisis.