The passing of Queen Elizabeth marked the end of a significant era. After reigning for 70 years, the UK bid farewell to one of its most beloved public figures when she passed away at the age of 96.
The new King was faced with the dual challenge of mourning his mother and immediately assuming the role he had been preparing for all his life.
On the morning of 8 September 2022, King Charles, then Prince of Wales, was summoned to Balmoral and informed that his mother’s death was imminent. He and his sister, the widely admired Anne, Princess Royal, alternated in keeping vigil by their mother’s bedside, as revealed in a new documentary.
The Channel 5 documentary, Birkhall: The King’s Secret Sanctuary, delves into the poignant moment when Charles ascended to the throne. It discloses that Charles was called to Balmoral from his nearby residence, Birkhall, which is one of his preferred retreats.
Jennie Bond, the BBC’s former Royal correspondent, shared in the film, “He was told that it would probably be a few hours before she passed away,” reports the Mirror.
Royal expert and journalist Emily Andrews added, “Charles and Anne had been taking it in turns to sit with the Queen and then, I think, as she slipped into a coma, Charles needed a bit of fresh air and some nature.”
It was during this brief respite in the grounds of Birkhall that Charles received the call.
Before Charles was formally informed of his mother’s passing, a Royal expert detailed how he realised the sombre truth with just two words he had always known would one day come. “He knew what had happened,” Jennie remarked, “Because he was addressed by the person who rang him, the courtier, as ‘Your Majesty’ and then he knew, ‘Well, my mother has died’ and obviously he raced back to Balmoral to be at her side.”
Despite their sorrow, Emily Andrews suggests there was a consoling element for the Royal Family that the late Queen’s last days were at Balmoral – a place close to her heart.
The rest of the Royal Family also journeyed to Scotland, allowing them private moments with the Queen; among them were Prince William and Prince Harry, who travelled separately.
The Queen’s coffin was subsequently transported to Edinburgh to rest, enabling members of the public to pay their final respects. The coffin then travelled to RAF Northolt by air and from there returned to London for the lying in state at Westminster Hall ahead of her funeral.
During this solemn procession, Princess Anne displayed unwavering devotion, accompanying her revered mother at every turn.
Viewers have the opportunity to delve into Royal solitude with ‘Birkhall: The King’s Secret Sanctuary’, broadcasting Saturday 21 June at 7.30pm on Channel 5.
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