A Royal Journey: Who Arrived Before Queen Elizabeth II’s Death at Balmoral?

When Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, 2022, various members of the royal family arrived at Balmoral Castle to pay their last respects. This article delves into the timings and circumstances of each royal's arrival, based on available information and reports.

The Queen's Last Days at Balmoral

Queen Elizabeth II's stay at Balmoral was the last of her life. Charles, Anne, and Camilla were already in Scotland, which allowed them to reach Balmoral quickly. According to several news reports, Charles and Anne were likely with the Queen when she passed away, as they arrived in time to see her. In fact, reports suggest that Anne had been attending to her for an extended period, and Charles arrived shortly thereafter.

Arrivals and Departures

It's widely accepted that Charles, Anne, and Camilla were the first to be with the Queen in her final hours, given that their presence was relatively swift due to their location in Scotland. The timing of their arrivals is crucial, as William, Andrew, Edward, and Sophie did not get to Balmoral before the announcement of the Queen's death. Their journey started at around 17:00 BST, making it impossible for them to have been with the Queen in her last moments.

Harry's Journey

Harry's journey to Balmoral from Düsseldorf or Windsor is less clear, with different reports suggesting varying start times. Regardless, reports indicate that Harry could not fly on the same plane as William, which likely impacted his arrival time. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that Harry reached Balmoral before the Queen's death was announced.

While it is known that the Prime Minister was informed at 16:30 BST and the public at 18:30 BST, the specific timings of individual family members' arrivals are not as well-documented. This uncertainty is understandable, given the emotional and sensitive nature of such a moment.

Conclusion

The arrival of the royal family, particularly Charles, Anne, and Camilla, was a source of comfort for the family during their loss. The exact times of others' arrivals are not known, but the family's modern use of technology, particularly video calls, allowed them to maintain some form of communication with the Queen even if they were not physically present. As with any royal funeral, the loss of a beloved monarch has left a profound impact on the nation and continues to do so.

Rest in peace, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. God Save the King and let us bless Queen Camilla, who continues to serve as a symbol of strength and unity.