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Queen Elizabeth‘s death was one of the highlights of this decade, but surprisingly, it was all business as usual for the monarch during her last days. The late British monarch passed away on September 8, 2022, after reigning over the United Kingdom and other commonwealth realms for seven decades.
Although the late monarch attained the ripe age of 96, her passing still came as a shock to many, mostly because she scarcely showed signs of slowing down in those final moments. Yet, before those few brief hours on her deathbed surrounded by family, the queen made a lasting impression those closest to her could attest to.
Queen Elizabeth Spent Her Last Days in Balmoral
Right Reverend Dr Iain Grenhields shared tidbits from the late Queen’s final moments following her passing in 2022. He believes the calm manner in which Queen Elizabeth meticulously handled her affairs and set every lingering detail in order in those final days confirms she saw it coming. He told the Daily Mail,
“The truth is that Her Majesty always knew that her remaining time was limited. She accepted this with all the grace you’d expect.”
His biggest conviction that Queen Elizabeth knew what was coming was the deep content of one of their last conversations, where she told him “she had no regrets,” about the life she led. Greenshields admitted to spending time with her at Balmoral on the weekend before her passing. He described the monarch, who lost her husband Prince Philip a year prior, as being “in fantastic form” during that last visit.
According to him, Queen Elizabeth II remained “so alive and engaging” as they had their meals together, attended church service, and even discussed pressing issues like the Russia-Ukraine war. Their lighter conversation topics centered around horses, childhood memories, and church matters.
Queen Elizabeth also got to see to the affairs of her racehorse, Love Affairs, securing his participation at a race on Tuesday, September 6 (which he won unchallenged). Still in her energetic spirit, looking “sharp as a tack” the queen got to present an honor to her then-outgoing Communications Secretary. Additionally, she honored her engagements with Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, her 14th and 15th prime ministers.
The Queen’s Sudden Passing Reverberated Through the Globe
After putting all these affairs in order with her “characteristic wisdom and humor” shining through, things took a downturn by the afternoon of September 7, putting her family, palace officials, and UK citizens on edge. The palace finally confirmed the swirling rumors of Queen Elizabeth’s ailing health via a statement, reassuring the public she was under medical supervision.
Despite the attempted reassurance, everyone anticipated the worst. Taking no chances, family members, including Prince Harry flew to Balmoral from various quarters to spend her last days by her side.
While the then-Prince Charles, his wife Camilla, and Princess Anne made their way just in time to bid their final farewells, the queen’s younger sons, Andrew and Edward arrived much later, riding in a car with Prince William. Prince Edward’s wife Sophie also joined the family at Balmoral. However, both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle were absent. At exactly 6:30 a.m., on Thursday, September 8, Buckingham Palace announced Queen Elizabeth’s Death, plunging the world into sadness.
Thus, the world bid farewell to the longest-reigning monarch, ushering in the new era of her son, King Charles. Two years later, Queen Elizabeth’s legacy continues to live on, through her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids, and through the many phases of civilization she helped shape for decades.
