In an era where royal secrecy is as much a tradition as the monarchy itself, revelations from royal author Robert Hardman offer a rare glimpse into the final days of Queen Elizabeth II. Hardman, in his latest book "Charles III: New King, New Court, The Inside Story," serialized in the Daily Mail, delves deep into the Queen's last moments and her enduring legacy, revealing aspects of her life that have, until now, remained under wraps.
The late Queen, who passed away peacefully in her sleep in September 2022, left behind a trove of untold stories. Hardman, speaking to The Camilla Tominey Show, hinted at undisclosed details about the Queen's passing, stating, "there are other aspects of that day that I haven't reported on." This statement has sparked curiosity and speculation, leading many to ponder what these unrevealed aspects might entail.
One of the most poignant revelations in Hardman's book involves the Queen's final red box - a symbol of her lifelong dedication to her duties. The red box, delivered to her daily except on her birthday and Christmas Day, contained official papers for her attention. In a conversation with GBNews, Hardman described the emotional moment when the Queen's last red box was opened, which included a sealed letter to her son, the now King Charles III. The contents of this letter remain a guarded secret, emblematic of the private relationship between the monarch and her heir.
Hardman's narrative also touches on the Queen's final year, as detailed in his other book, "The Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy." A friend of the royal family revealed to the biographer that despite suffering from "multiple conditions," Queen Elizabeth was determined to make the most of her remaining time. This determination was evident in her final summer at Balmoral, where she focused on creating lasting memories with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
During this time, the Queen invited her family to the Scottish estate, a longstanding royal tradition, to leave the younger royals with "happy memories" of her. This gesture was especially significant considering some family members, including Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children, were notably absent during her last summer.
In an emotional tribute to the late monarch, Prince William and Kate Middleton shared a previously unseen photo taken by the Princess of Wales during that summer at Balmoral. The image, released on what would have been the Queen's 97th birthday, featured the Queen surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, capturing the essence of her final days - surrounded by love and family.
Queen Elizabeth's death at Balmoral, a place of great personal significance, reportedly weighed heavily on her in her final days. She was 96. The revelation of these details adds depth to the Queen's well-known public persona, portraying her as a dedicated monarch who, even in her final moments, remained committed to her family and her country.
Hardman's work offers a unique perspective on the life and legacy of one of the world's most iconic figures. His sensitive handling of the subject matter respects the privacy of the royal family while providing the public with a closer look at the human side of the monarchy.
In revealing these untold stories, Hardman has not only contributed to the historical narrative of the British monarchy but also offered a touching tribute to a beloved Queen who left an indelible mark on the world.
