After a 70-year-long reign, Queen Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 96 on September 8, 2022.
The news of her passing sent shockwaves throughout the world, and now, some 18 months later royal watchers have become privy to her final moments thanks to a new memo recorded by the late Queen’s private secretary, Sir Edward Young.
WATCH NOW: Queen Elizabeth II Has Died Aged 96. Article continues after video.
According to the document, which has now been entered into the royal archives after being published in Robert Hardman’s new book, Charles III: New King, New Court. The Inside Story, Her Royal Highness passed away comfortably.
“Very peaceful,” the memo wrote of her death.
“Slipped away. Old Age. She wouldn’t have been aware of anything. No pain,” it added.
The biography also revealed that King Charles was told of his mother’s death by an aide as was returning to Balmoral after picking mushrooms and that Princess Anne and the Queen’s dressmaker of almost 30 years Angela Kelly would alternate at her bedside whilst the Rev. Kenneth MacKenzie read to her from the Bible.
The news of Her Majesty’s passing followed just one day after her doctors advised that she rest for another two weeks after a ‘full day’ meeting with the new United Kingdom Prime Minister, Liz Truss.
“After a full day yesterday, Her Majesty has this afternoon accepted doctors’ advice to rest. This means that the Privy Council meeting that had been due to take place this evening will be rearranged,” a Palace spokesman said at the time.
As per the doctor’s orders, the Queen also postponed the Privy Council meeting and the 1000-mile round trip around Scotland due to mobility issues.
Over the previous few months, there had been concerns over the Queen’s health. Especially in the days and weeks before her passing, fans noticed her petite frame, a significant bruise on her right hand, and her reliance on a walking stick.
“The queen looks so fragile,” one user observed.
“Her Majesty’s right-hand looks darker than it should be. I hope it’s nothing serious and the Queen is doing well!” another added just days before her death
In February 2022, the Queen contracted Coronavirus and was also hospitalised in October 2021 for an undisclosed reason.
King Charles, who has since ascended to the throne, issued the below statement following the loss of his dear mother.
“The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,” His Majesty said.
“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms, and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.
Buckingham Palace announced the queen has died “peacefully” but no other information about her passing was released until January 2024.
