When the news broke that Queen Elizabeth II had passed away at the age of 96, the entire royal family sprang into action. Prince William, alongside his uncles Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, quickly made their way to Balmoral Castle in Scotland. This emotional reunion was a powerful moment, showcasing the family's unity during a time of immense grief.
A Glimpse Into the Royal Family’s Final Hours
As the world watched with bated breath, the royal family shared the devastating news that "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon." The official Twitter account of the royal family posted the statement, adding that "The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow." These words marked the end of an era, as the longest-serving monarch in British history left behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
Prince William Takes the Wheel
Prince William, now 40, took charge in a poignant moment, driving the car that carried his uncles Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, as well as Edward's wife, Sophie, to Balmoral. This journey symbolized the family's solidarity during a time of profound loss. The photograph of them driving to the queen's cherished summer home captured the gravity of the moment, as they rushed to be by her side during her final days.
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King Charles III, the queen's eldest son, and his wife, Queen Consort Camilla, arrived at Balmoral earlier by helicopter, ensuring they were present for their mother's passing. Princess Anne, the queen's only daughter, was already in Scotland on royal duties and managed to reach her mother's bedside in time. It was a touching reminder of the family's deep bonds and commitment to one another.
Buckingham Palace Issues a Rare Health Update
Earlier in the day, Buckingham Palace issued an unprecedented statement regarding the queen's health. The statement read, "Following further evaluation this morning, The Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral." This rare update underscored the seriousness of the situation and prepared the world for the inevitable.
Just two days before her passing, on Tuesday, September 6, Queen Elizabeth met with incoming Prime Minister Liz Truss at Balmoral. Instead of traveling to London's Buckingham Palace due to ongoing mobility issues, the queen chose to conduct the meeting at her Scottish residence. A photograph released from the meeting showed the smiling monarch greeting her 15th prime minister under her unprecedented 70-year reign, a testament to her enduring dedication to duty.
William and Kate’s Last Happy Moment
Amid the somber news, there was a fleeting moment of joy captured just the day before. Prince William and his wife, Duchess Kate (née Middleton), were all smiles as they were photographed in Berkshire, England, taking their children—Prince George, 9, Princess Charlotte, 7, and Prince Louis, 4—to their first day of classes at a new school. The family had recently moved to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, putting them within walking distance of the queen's permanent residence at Windsor Castle. They had hoped this move would allow their children to spend more quality time with their beloved great-grandmother.
However, the queen's passing meant that Kate didn't join William on the trip to Balmoral. Instead, she was photographed leaving Windsor on the afternoon of the queen's death to pick up her children from school, ensuring they were cared for during such a tumultuous time.
