Three years after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, royal fans around the world continue to reflect on the moment that marked the end of an era. The monarch passed away on September 8, 2022, at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, surrounded by close family members. News of her death sent shockwaves far beyond the United Kingdom, prompting tributes from global leaders, public figures, and millions who had grown up knowing no other sovereign.
Earlier that day, Buckingham Palace had released a carefully worded statement confirming that doctors were concerned about the Queen’s health and that her family had travelled to be with her. By the afternoon, the Palace announced that she had died peacefully at Balmoral, adding that the King and Queen Consort would remain there overnight before returning to London.
It was later reported that King Charles and Queen Camilla were able to spend around an hour with the Queen before her passing. Princess Anne was also believed to be at her mother’s side during her final moments.
Inside the Queen’s final hours
While the Palace initially chose not to disclose further details, more information emerged months later. Eighteen months after the funeral, the Queen’s former private secretary, Sir Edward Young, shared insights in a private memo that shed light on her last hours. According to Sir Edward, the Queen passed away calmly in her sleep, with no signs of distress.
He also revealed that a locked red box was discovered near her bedside, containing two sealed letters. One was addressed to him, and the other to her eldest son, King Charles. These letters have never been made public, adding a quiet sense of intimacy to her final arrangements.
Sir Edward’s memo described her passing in simple terms, stating that she slipped away peacefully, was unaware of anything around her, and felt no pain. Her official cause of death, later confirmed in the death certificate signed by Princess Anne, was recorded as old age.
How the family learned the news
In the hours surrounding the Queen’s death, not every member of the family received the news at the same time. Prince Harry later revealed that he learned of his grandmother’s passing through a BBC News alert after landing and turning his phone back on. King Charles had reportedly attempted to reach him while he was still in the air.