Belief shattered as monarch learns of beloved mother’s sudden passing
King Charles III was reduced to tears upon receiving the devastating news that his beloved mother, Queen Elizabeth II, had passed away sooner than he had anticipated. The 75-year-old King, who had been receiving cancer treatment, was struck by the emotional weight of the moment after holding onto the belief that the Queen had more time.
Royal author Robert Hardman recounted the emotional moment in his book Charles III: New King, New Court. The Inside Story, revealing that King Charles had called his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, on the morning of 8 September 2022, to update them on the Queen's failing health. At that point, Charles believed she had days, not hours, left. Tragically, Queen Elizabeth passed away that same day, shattering his hopes.
The Queen’s passing came as a shock to many, especially after she was seen smiling warmly just two days prior while greeting Prime Minister Liz Truss at Balmoral. King Charles, who was tearful upon hearing the news, learned of her death while en route back to Balmoral.
Princess Anne, the Queen’s only daughter, was by her bedside, along with Charles and Camilla. Other members of the royal family, including Prince William, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward, arrived shortly before her passing. According to the author, Charles was notified of his mother’s death via a phone call from his most senior aide during the journey.
A poignant moment followed when a footman found a red box of paperwork at the Queen’s deathbed, containing two sealed letters: one for King Charles and the other for her private secretary, Sir Edward Young. These letters, though their contents are unlikely to be made public, were a quiet recognition by the Queen that her time was nearing its end.
