British cabinet ministers and political officials have held a secret dress rehearsal for the days following the Queen’s death.

Dubbed Castle Dove, the rehearsal was to prepare for the 10 days of mourning that will follow the 92-year-old monarch’s death.

It is the first time ministers have been involved in planning for events that will follow the Queen’s demise, and follows her withdrawal from an event at St Paul’s Cathedral last week due to a cold.

“The Queen is feeling under the weather today and has decided not to attend this morning’s service at St Paul’s Cathedral marking the 200th anniversary of the Order of Michael and St George,” a spokeswoman for the Palace said.

According to The Telegraph, no doctor was called for the Queen, and she did not go to hospital. She was well enough to head to Windsor Castle for the weekend, ahead of events in Scotland this week.

But it did follow the monarch’s recent operation to remove cataracts and reports she is refusing to have much-needed knee surgery because of the recovery time.

Last week’s meeting – the first time ministers, including British Prime Minister Theresa May’s deputy, David Lidington, have got together to discuss the event – might be considered unprecedented. But plans for the Queen’s death have already been meticulously worked out.

Prince Charles stands guard over the body of his grandmother, the Queen Mother, in 2002. Photo: Getty

It has been widely reported that the codeword “London Bridge is down” will be used to deliver news of her death to the British prime minister and other senior politicians. That message will kick off a series of events that will culminate in the state funeral.

If the Queen’s death has been expected – for example, after a long illness – detailed plans will dictate how it is announced. If it is more sudden – as with Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997 – the news might get out before Buckingham Palace can control it.

Once the British prime minister has been told the news, the Foreign Office will inform 15 governments of nations where the Queen is also the head of state. This includes Australia.

The Global Response Centre will pass on the news to the 36 other nations of the Commonwealth for whom the Queen has served as a symbolic figurehead.

About this time, a footman in mourning clothes will be sent out of a door at Buckingham Palace to pin a notice of the news to the gate.

Union flags will fly at half mast across Britain and both houses of parliament will be recalled. It is expected many workers will be sent home early.

Broadcasters will clear their schedules and newsreaders will wear black suits and ties as TV channels default to news.

Books of condolences will be opened around the world.

The Queen’s coffin will initially be at Buckingham Palace. After some days, it will be taken to Westminster Hall, where she will lie in state and the public can visit. When the Queen Mother died in 2002, 200,000 people came to see her coffin.

On the 10th day, the coffin will be taken to Westminster Abbey for a state funeral. Thousands of people are expected to line the streets for a glimpse of it.

Prince Charles will automatically become king on the death of his mother. His coronation will likely be held some months after the Queen’s funeral.

-with wires