In a heartfelt revelation, royal author Robert Hardman has shed light on the final months of Queen Elizabeth II’s life, revealing that her last significant duty required immense effort, largely unrecognised by those around her at the time. The Queen, who had a storied 70-year reign, made history by appointing new Prime Minister Liz Truss at Balmoral Castle, a departure from the traditional setting of Buckingham Palace.
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Queen Elizabeth’s health had been in decline throughout the summer of 2022. As she took her customary retreat at Balmoral in Scotland, she grappled with concerns about her mobility and the implications of remaining in Scotland for the imminent transition of prime ministers. This situation was particularly poignant for a monarch so dedicated to her role.
Hardman notes in his upcoming biography, “Elizabeth II: In Private. In Public. The Inside Story,” that Princess Anne played a crucial role in reassuring her mother. As Queen Elizabeth contemplated staying in Scotland, Princess Anne encouraged her to continue her holiday without worrying about potential consequences. The late summer of 2022 presented an unusual circumstance; as preparations for a new prime minister were underway, Anne reassured her mother that her passing at Balmoral should not weigh on her decision to remain there.
Acknowledging the historical significance of her decision, Queen Elizabeth was determined to ensure the prime ministerial transition was handled with the dignity that had characterised her long-standing interactions with British leaders, stretching back to Winston Churchill. On September 6, 2022, she made the unprecedented choice to host the appointment at Balmoral, a move that was not without its challenges considering her health situation.
Regaining her usual poise, the Queen received outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s resignation and welcomed Liz Truss into her new role. Witnesses noted that, despite her evident frailty, the Queen demonstrated a commitment to the responsibilities of her office. Truss later recounted the meeting, stating that although the Queen was physically unwell, she remained alert and engaged throughout their discussion.
Visual evidence of the meeting, comprising images taken in the drawing room of Balmoral, would ultimately be the last photographs captured of her. They portrayed a woman dedicated to duty, yet hints of her declining health were noted, including bruising on her hand. The images serve as a poignant reminder of a monarch who performed her final duties with unwavering resolve.
The atmosphere during the meeting was both historic and intimate, with the Queen insisting that Truss’s husband, Hugh O’Leary, also join in, upholding the traditions of royal protocol. Hardman emphasizes that this dedication to protocol was indicative of the Queen’s character and devotion to her role.
Just two days later, on September 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth passed away at Balmoral. Her death ushered in the reign of King Charles III, marking a period of transformation for the monarchy. Sources close to the family noted that it felt fitting for the Queen to spend her final hours at Balmoral, a place that held immense significance for her and her loved ones.
As public tributes pour in and the nation reflects on the Queen’s legacy, her final days encapsulate the balance of duty, family, and the deep personal connections she maintained throughout her extraordinary life. The revelation of these last moments serves to deepen the public’s understanding of a monarch who dedicated herself to her role until the very end.