Queen Elizabeth’s personal diaries are expected to be examined in the coming years, as revealed by royal biographer Robert Hardman.

Speaking on HELLO!’s A Right Royal Podcast, Hardman explained that while the public is unlikely to read the contents of Her late Majesty’s diaries, it is anticipated that King Charles will soon appoint an official biographer to document the life of the former monarch.

Hardman remarked, “I doubt we’ll ever have direct access to her diaries. I don’t expect them to be published. However, I foresee the King appointing an official biographer within the next year or two. This is a tradition, as each monarch typically commissions a biographer to write the official account of their predecessor’s life.”

He noted that the last time this occurred was in the early 1950s, when Queen Elizabeth II selected John Wheeler-Bennett to write the biography of her father, King George VI.

During the podcast, Hardman also delved into the intricate planning of royal funerals, a topic he explores in his book Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story.

He highlighted how the elaborate preparations for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, known as Operation London Bridge, began over 20 years before her passing. The code names for royal funeral plans follow a theme of bridge names.

For instance, the Queen Mother’s funeral plan was Operation Tay Bridge, while the plan for the Prince of Wales (then Prince Charles) was Operation Menai Bridge, named after the bridge connecting Anglesey to Wales.

Hardman added, “The designation for the monarch’s funeral remains Operation London Bridge, and for the current Prince of Wales, it is still Operation Menai Bridge. Interestingly, Prince William’s previous code name was Operation Clare Bridge, referencing the famous bridge in Cambridge, reflecting his former title as Duke of Cambridge.”