King Charles instantly knew his mother Queen Elizabeth II had died after hearing two words, a royal expert says. Today marks what would have been Elizabeth’s 100th birthday with events taking place to celebrate her remarkable life. The monarch died in 2022 at the age of 96 after a record-breaking 70 years on the throne.
Her passing sparked a flood of tributes, with Britons across the country praising her decades of duty and service. It was both a sad and momentous moment for then heir-to-the-thone Charles, who was the Prince of Wales at the time. He was summoned to the Queen’s vast Balmoral Castle estate from his neighbouring home at Birkhall on the morning of September 8 2022, where he was informed that that her death was imminent.
Royal experts featured in a Channel 5 programme, Birkhall: The King’s Secret Sanctuary said Charles and his sister Anne, Princess Royal, alternated between keeping vigil at their mother’s bedside.
The BBC‘s former Royal correspondent, Jennie Bond said: “He was told that it would probably be a few hours before she passed away.”
Royal expert and journalist Emily Andrews added: “Charles and Anne had been taking it in turns to sit with the Queen and then, I think, as she slipped into a coma, Charles needed a bit of fresh air and some nature.
“So he went to the grounds of Birkhall, and it was there that he took the call.”
However, before the official announcement was made, an expert said then Prince Charles instantly knew what had transpired upon hearing two words.
Two words, that he had spent his entire life preparing for, and which confirmed the death of his mum.
“He knew what had happened,” Ms Bond explained, “Because he was addressed by the person who rang him, the courtier, as ‘Your Majesty’ and then he knew, ‘Well, my mother has died’ and obviously he raced back to Balmoral to be at her side.”
Ms Andrews suggested that despite the Royal Family’s profound sadness at the late Queen’s passing, there may have been some solace in knowing she had spent her final days at Balmoral – her Highland estate, where she had experienced many of her life’s happiest moments.
King Charles technically became monarch the moment his mother passed away, but was formally crowned in May 2023.
A recorded address in which he lauded his late mother was released today, with King Charles saying: “We owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example.
“To my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: Thank you.
“Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years.”
He then borrowed from Shakespeare as he added: “May ‘flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest’.”