Her Majesty's Private Escape to Sandringham
On the first weekend of November, Queen Elizabeth II boarded a plane and headed north to her cherished retreat at Sandringham House. The British monarch, who has been under doctor's orders to rest, was seen enjoying a peaceful drive around the estate that holds so many cherished memories. It was here last winter that she and her beloved late husband, Prince Philip, spent time together during lockdown. This estate, however, is also the place where both her father and grandfather passed away, making it a place of both joy and sorrow.
By November 9th, the 95-year-old monarch was back at her desk in Windsor Castle, tackling light, desk-based duties. Queen Elizabeth remains steadfast in her determination to overcome the health scare that sent her to the hospital on October 20th. "She has brittle bones, and her immune system is weak. She's come to realize that time is catching up with her," reveals an insider familiar with her situation.
Adjusting to a New Normal
The Queen has heeded her doctor's advice by giving up her daily martini and bidding farewell to horseback riding. However, after nearly seven decades on the throne, she had been reluctant to scale back her royal duties. "It's in her nature to keep moving," explains the insider. "She was listening to her mind rather than the signals her body was sending, which isn't wise given her current fragility. Even after spending the night in the hospital, she hoped to return to her usual routine. It took persistent encouragement from those around her to help her see the importance of taking a step back."
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Life Without Prince Philip
Since the passing of Prince Philip last spring, Elizabeth has found it increasingly challenging to carry on. The couple, who shared nearly 74 years of marriage, had grown even closer during their time in lockdown together last winter. "She hasn't been herself since his passing," admits the insider. "They had become inseparable, so it's only natural that she's finding it difficult to adjust to life without him."
Her children and grandchildren have rallied around her, calling, visiting, and sharing cherished family memories to help fill the void. "Elizabeth was homeschooled, so she didn't form many lasting friendships outside the royal family. Her children have created a schedule where someone is always nearby to ensure she never feels alone," says the insider, adding that Elizabeth also has a trusted inner circle of staff who look out for her well-being.
Family Support and Comfort
During this challenging period, her family has been her greatest source of comfort. "She's closest with Charles," shares the insider. "Followed by William, her daughter Anne, and Kate Middleton. Kate has been baking cakes with the children and sending them to Elizabeth. The kids have even made her sparkling get-well cards to lift her spirits."
Charles and his brother Andrew have always relied on their mother as a pillar of strength. The recent downturn in Elizabeth's health has left them deeply shaken. "Out of all her children, Elizabeth has always had a special bond with Andrew, and he can't imagine life without her," says the insider. "Prince Charles, too, is more sensitive than people realize, and the thought of losing his mother is incredibly hard for him to process."
Looking Ahead
Traditionally, Charles will be declared king immediately following his mother's passing, even as the royal family enters a 12-day mourning period. "She'll have a state funeral 10 days after her death and has requested an intimate, private family memorial," confides the insider.
It's anticipated that Charles' public coronation, during which he will swear an oath and be crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury at Westminster Abbey, would occur roughly a year after Elizabeth's death. "Prince Charles' coronation will likely be smaller than Elizabeth's," says the insider. "Still, with immense security fees, it could cost up to $50 million."
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When contemplating her mortality, Elizabeth worries more about the well-being of the royal family than herself. "She's concerned about her family maintaining the strength of the monarchy," says the insider. "Death doesn't frighten her at all. Elizabeth is a devoted Christian who believes in an afterlife and that she'll be reunited with Prince Philip in heaven."
When that time comes, Elizabeth will leave this world with few regrets. "She has told family members that she's lived a fulfilling life and her passing should be a celebration of it, not something to feel sad about," says the insider.
In the same spirit, Elizabeth continues to look forward. Christmas is just around the corner, her favorite time of year, and she hopes to be well enough to welcome her extended family to Sandringham, as she has in the past. "It will be a smaller, more intimate celebration, but that doesn't mean it won't be special," says the insider. "Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, are hoping to be there, too. Harry feels guilty about not saying goodbye to Prince Philip in person and would never forgive himself if the same happened with his beloved grandmother."
Elizabeth is also determined to be strong enough for next summer's Platinum Jubilee, a national celebration marking her 70 years as queen. "Elizabeth knows she won't live forever, but she doesn't believe she's dying right now," says the insider. "She's an optimist and continues to plan for the future."
