Get you up to speed: Royal family’s hidden codenames unveiled — from Sharon to Unicorn | News UK
Royal Family members have long used secret codenames, with Queen Elizabeth II known as ‘Sharon’ and the death plan titled Operation London Bridge, according to expert Laura Windsor.
Royal expert Laura Windsor disclosed that the tradition of using secret codenames for the Royal Family originated to protect sensitive communications from switchboard operators in the past.
What we know so far
The Royal Family has long maintained a tradition of using secret codenames, a practice that reportedly began decades ago for security reasons. Royal expert Laura Windsor revealed that this custom emerged when palace switchboard operators could listen in on calls, leading to the need for coded language to prevent sensitive information leaks.
Among the most well-known examples is Queen Elizabeth II, who was privately referred to as ‘Sharon’ by some members of her security team. According to Windsor, the codename ‘London Bridge’ was used to signify her passing, a protocol established well in advance, reflecting the meticulous planning surrounding royal affairs.
This tradition continues with current royals. King Charles III’s death plans are codified under the name ‘Operation Menai Bridge,’ while Prince William and Kate Middleton were known as ‘Danny Collins’ and ‘Daphne Clark’ during their time as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The use of these names not only helps in maintaining discretion but also serves to prevent media speculation about royal arrangements.
As royal duties evolve, these codenames may change, but their fundamental purpose—to protect privacy and manage sensitive events—remains deeply entrenched in royal protocol.
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The royal family’s secret codenames revealed — from Sharon to Unicorn | News UK
Many people have heard of Operation London Bridge, the codename given to the plans and protocols surrounding the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
But a lot fewer fans of the royals are aware that she was also apparently known as ‘Sharon’ behind closed doors.
Which does slightly make the late head of state sound a bit like a brassy middle-aged woman who runs a florist in a Bedfordshire satellite town.
The royal family, it turns out, has used secret names for decades, partly for security and partly to keep sensitive plans away from prying ears.
According to the appropriately-named royal expert Laura Windsor, the tradition began back when palace switchboard operators manually connected calls.
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‘These switchboard operators could listen in on every conversation, so royal code names were used to prevent them from finding out any important news before the royal family did themselves,’ Windsor told Reader’s Digest.
The names stuck around even after technology moved on. Windsor says they’re still useful when planning travel or discussing major royal events without attracting attention.
‘Arrangements involving the royals take a long time to unfold, so using code names doesn’t arouse any suspicion,’ she said. ‘In a way, it’s like with actors: when they travel and stay at hotels, they also don’t give their real names.’
The first known royal death codename belonged to King George VI, whose plans reportedly used the phrase ‘Hyde Park Corner’ before his death in 1952. Unlike later royal operations, it wasn’t linked to a bridge at all.
But how about the more recent members of the Royal Family…?
Queen Elizabeth II: London Bridge/Sharon
The death plan for the much-missed former monarch famously operated under the codename London Bridge.
When she died back in 2022, senior figures were informed that ‘London Bridge is down’, triggering a carefully prepared operation that had reportedly existed since as far back as the 1960s.
Windsor believes that the phrase was likely inspired by the famous nursery rhyme and the bridge’s location near Buckingham Palace. But London Bridge wasn’t the only nickname linked to the late Queen.
According to The Sun, members of her security team sometimes referred to her as ‘Sharon’ or simply ‘S’. Prince Philip also reportedly had his own names for her in private, including ‘Lilibet’ and ‘cabbage’.
Which is either deeply affectionate or a sign that 70 years of marriage can make some people go a bit odd. That said, it’s not the worst thing the Duke of Edinburgh ever called someone.
Prince Philip: Forth Bridge
The Queen’s husband later became linked to Operation Forth Bridge after his death in 2021.
The codename referenced the famous Scottish railway bridge and, of course, his title as Duke of Edinburgh.
King Charles III: Menai Bridge/Unicorn
King Charles III already has his own operation name too. And his is also tied into his (former) title of The Prince of Wales.
In the event of his death, plans known as Operation Menai Bridge would begin, referencing the historic Welsh suspension bridge linking Anglesey to the mainland.
The codename became public after Charles briefly disappeared during an avalanche in Switzerland back in 1988, an incident later recreated in The Crown.
During a visit to the United States in 1971, the Secret Service also reportedly nicknamed him ‘unicorn’, after Scotland’s national animal.
Yes, that’s right. The national animal of Scotland is actually the unicorn.
Princess Diana & the Queen Mother: Tay Bridge
The late People’s Princess meanwhile reportedly shared the codename Tay Bridge with the Queen Mother.
‘Princess Diana died very suddenly,’ Windsor explained. ‘She was so young that nobody thought she would be dying anytime soon, so she had not yet been given her own codename.’
William and Kate: Danny Collins and Daphne Clark
Some of the younger royals were also reportedly given much more ordinary aliases.
When William and Kate were still the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, reports claimed they used the names Danny Collins and Daphne Clark, matching their initials.
Windsor believes those names likely changed after the couple became Prince and Princess of Wales. Which makes sense really. Once the newspapers know your secret codename, it’s probably time for a new one (now it’s no longer very secret).
Harry and Meghan: David Stevens and Davina Scott
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly used David Stevens and Davina Scott during their time as working royals.
Since leaving royal duties behind for life in the US though, nobody really knows whether the names still exist at all. ‘Harry and Meghan’ still do, though. And, given they’re no longer officially working royals, they can probably just use those.