In a heartfelt revelation, Princess Anne has opened up about her mother, Queen Elizabeth II’s, worries leading up to her passing.
In a recent BBC documentary, the Princess Royal shared insights into the late monarch’s thoughts on the practicalities of her funeral, particularly if she were to die in Scotland.
It turns out that Queen Elizabeth was genuinely concerned about the complications that could arise from such a scenario.
According to Anne, the Queen was apprehensive that her death at Balmoral, the royal family’s Scottish estate, would create logistical challenges for those tasked with organizing her funeral.
The Princess, now 72, reflected on how her mother remained committed to her duties until the very end, showcasing a sense of responsibility that defined her reign.
Anne recounted a poignant moment before her mother’s death in September of last year, describing it as serendipity.
She believed there was a point when the Queen felt that passing away at Balmoral would complicate matters for the authorities in charge of her funeral arrangements.
“We made an effort to convince her that wasn’t a decision she needed to make,” Anne explained, expressing hope that her mother ultimately felt reassured about the situation.
The planning surrounding Queen Elizabeth’s death was extensive and had a codename: Operation London Bridge.
This operation outlined the procedures for her state funeral, including the lying in state and various public vigils.
Interestingly, courtiers had also prepared for the possibility of her passing away in different locations, whether abroad or at one of her other residences.
It’s no surprise that even in her final days, the Queen was thinking of others.
This selflessness echoed the promise she made on her 21st birthday in 1947, dedicating her life to service.
The documentary features Hugh Edwards announcing the Queen’s death, providing a backdrop to the events that followed, including Charles’s ascension to the throne.
Anne described a significant moment during her mother’s funeral when the Imperial State Crown was removed from the Queen’s coffin.
This act symbolized the transfer of duty from Elizabeth to Charles.
“When he removed the crown during my mother’s funeral at St. George’s, I felt a strange sense of relief, like it was finally over,” she recalled, noting that it marked a new chapter for the monarchy.
Despite Charles’s lifelong preparation for kingship, Anne candidly stated that no one can truly brace themselves for such a monumental shift.
“I don’t think anyone can really prepare for that kind of change, not easily,” she remarked.
The transition is profound, and with it comes the realization that the responsibilities of the monarchy are ongoing.
Princess Anne emphasized the continuous nature of royal duties, stating that the role of monarch never truly ends, regardless of circumstances.
She noted that while the transition is significant, Charles seems to be enjoying his new position as King.
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