Operation Candid | Queen Elizabeth II Secret Role in WW3

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Queen Elizabeth II, one of history’s most enduring monarchs, lived through the defining conflicts of the 20th century—World War II and the Cold War.
From her wartime service as a young princess to her role as a symbol of stability during the nuclear tensions of the Cold War, her life was deeply shaped by global conflict.

In this video, we explore her contributions during World War II, top-secret plans to protect the monarchy, and Britain’s Cold War survival strategies, including the Coats Mission, Operation Candid, and the Central Government War Headquarters in Corsham.
Princess Elizabeth’s Role in World War II
When World War II broke out in 1939, Princess Elizabeth was just 13 years old. While many British children were evacuated, the royal family remained in Britain, with Elizabeth and her sister Margaret staying at Windsor Castle. Determined to contribute to the war effort, she joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) in 1945 at age 18, training as a mechanic and military truck driver. This made her the first female member of the royal family to actively serve in the armed forces. Her experience repairing and maintaining vehicles reflected her deep sense of duty—an attitude that would define her reign as queen.
The Coats Mission: A Secret Plan to Protect the Royal Family
During the war, British military officials devised contingency plans in case of a German invasion. One such operation was The Coats Mission, named after Major James Coats. This secret plan aimed to evacuate the royal family to a secure location if London came under attack. The operation included strategies to move King George VI, Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother), and the young princesses to the countryside—or even abroad—if necessary. However, the royal family famously refused to leave Britain, with Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) declaring, “The children won’t go without me, I won’t leave the King, and the King will never leave.” Their determination became a symbol of British resilience.
Queen Elizabeth II and the Cold War
After World War II, Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne in 1952, as the world entered the tense era of the Cold War. With the growing threat of nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union, Britain developed contingency plans to ensure the survival of its government. The Queen, though a constitutional monarch, played a key diplomatic role, fostering relationships between NATO allies and Commonwealth nations. She met with global leaders, from U.S. presidents to Soviet officials, helping to maintain international stability during a time of uncertainty.
Operation Candid: The Queen’s Nuclear War Survival Plan
During the Cold War, Britain created Operation Candid, a highly classified plan to protect the monarchy in case of a nuclear attack. The operation outlined secret locations where Queen Elizabeth and senior royals would be evacuated to maintain national leadership. Unlike other government officials who had designated bunkers, the Queen’s survival strategy relied on constant movement between secure rural locations, ensuring she remained out of enemy radar. These top-secret plans highlighted the monarchy’s vital role in maintaining British morale during potential nuclear conflict.
The Central Government War Headquarters: Britain’s Underground Bunker
Deep beneath Corsham, Wiltshire, the Central Government War Headquarters (CGWHQ)—also known as Burlington—was built as an underground command center to house government officials in the event of nuclear war. This vast 35-acre facility featured living quarters, an underground railway, a BBC studio for emergency broadcasts, and essential supplies for long-term survival. Though Queen Elizabeth was not expected to reside there, her government’s survival strategy revolved around this bunker as a last resort to ensure Britain’s continuity during a nuclear crisis.
From her wartime service as a young princess to her leadership in the face of Cold War tensions, Queen Elizabeth II was a defining figure in Britain’s modern history. Join us as we uncover her incredible journey through these pivotal moments in world history.

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Chapters:

00:45 Introduction
01:50 Background to the British Constitutional Monarchy
06:57 WW2 and The Coats Mission
17:50 The Cold War and Getting out of London
20:00 Operation Candid and The Central Government War Headquarters
25:30 Operation Python and The Floating Bunker
34:50 Queen Elizabeth's Legacy

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