A Moment of Transition: The Passing of Queen Elizabeth II
In September 2022, the world stood still as the news broke of Queen Elizabeth II's passing. After more than seven decades as the Head of the Commonwealth, Her Majesty left behind a legacy that will resonate through history. At the age of 96, her death was a deeply emotional moment for the royal family, and the world watched as they navigated this profound transition. Among those who captured the attention of onlookers was Princess Anne, whose reaction was noted by staff members outside Balmoral Castle.
A Glimpse into Princess Anne's Strength
In an excerpt from Robert Hardman's insightful new book, The Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy, we get a glimpse into Anne's character during this trying time. Moments after Queen Elizabeth's death, a senior staff member approached Anne with a compassionate gesture, offering her a hug. Yet, Anne's response was as sharp as it was poignant. “There then followed a wry smile. ‘That is the last time that’s going to happen,’ the princess said firmly,” Hardman recounts, according to the Daily Mail. This simple yet powerful statement encapsulates Anne's resilience and determination, even in the face of immense grief.
The Final Days at Balmoral
Princess Anne, now 73, was by her mother's side during those final days in Scotland. It was a deeply personal and intimate period for the family, filled with both sorrow and reflection. Meanwhile, King Charles III, then 75, was en route to Balmoral. As fate would have it, Charles was driving along the B976 when he received the news that would change his life forever. “He had just turned off the B976 onto the back drive of the estate when, at the age of 73, he was addressed as ‘Your Majesty’ for the first time,” Hardman writes. In that moment, no further explanation was needed. The weight of the crown had officially shifted.
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Upon his arrival at Balmoral, Charles greeted the late monarch's staff with heartfelt condolences. “I know how much you’ll miss her and how loyal you were to her,” he told senior members of Elizabeth’s staff, acknowledging their unwavering dedication to the queen over the years. These words not only reflected Charles' deep respect for the staff but also his understanding of the profound impact Queen Elizabeth had on everyone around her.
Charles' Coronation: A Historic Event
Fast forward to May 2023, and millions of eyes were glued to their screens for Charles' coronation at Westminster Abbey. It was a grand event, with the royal family in attendance, including Prince Harry, despite the ongoing drama within the family. Harry was seated in the third row, directly behind Anne, who chose a striking hat with a large plume on top. This choice sparked quite the conversation on social media, with many speculating that it might have obstructed Harry's view.
Hardman addresses these speculations in his book, stating, “At the Coronation itself, Prince Harry was seated in the third row of the royal section, immediately behind Princess Anne, who was wearing a striking red-plumed bicorn hat that remained on her head throughout. Social media snipers instantly concluded that Harry had been deliberately placed behind his aunt’s tall hat to obscure his view.” He goes on to clarify, “This is nonsense. Not only do the Lord Chamberlain’s Office not think like that, but the Princess Royal had only switched to that seat after her request for a speedy exit.”
Anne herself had a witty response to the chatter about her hat. “The hat was an interesting question,” she recalled. “I said: ‘Are you sure you want me to keep the hat on? Because it’s quite a decent-sized hat.’ And the answer was yes. There you go. Not my choice.” Her words highlight her practicality and humor, even amidst the scrutiny of the public eye.
