Oxford News
King Charles shares emotional insight on Queen’s final days
The monarch, who has long‑standing ties to the Cotswolds through his Highgrove estate near Tetbury, has written a moving reflection on his late mother’s final summer at Balmoral.
In his latest remarks, Charles sets out the deep personal importance of the Scottish residence to the whole family.
The late Queen died in September 2022, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from around the world.
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Just a day after her death and his accession to the throne, the King addressed the nation and paid tribute to his “darling mama”.
Further reflections on his mother’s final months have now been shared in the foreword to a new book, Balmoral by Mary Miers, as reported by The Telegraph.
In the text, the King explains that Queen Elizabeth “particularly treasured her time at Balmoral”.
He goes on to note the poignant detail that “It was here, in these most beloved of surroundings, that she chose to spend her final days.”
Balmoral Castle had long been regarded as the late Queen’s favourite residence, where she traditionally spent summers with her family away from public duties.
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The King underlines the strength of the family’s attachment to the estate, writing, “Since my earliest childhood, it has held, and continues to hold, a uniquely special place in the hearts of my family and myself.”
His reflections echo those of his sister, Princess Anne, who was with Queen Elizabeth for the last 24 hours of her life – an experience she has said she felt very “fortunate” to share.
The Princess Royal accompanied her mother’s coffin from Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
She then travelled with the coffin as it was taken on to London and said in a statement at the time: “It has been an honour and a privilege to accompany her on her final journeys.
“Witnessing the love and respect shown by so many on these journeys has been both humbling and uplifting.”