Princess Anne reflects on Queen Elizabeth II’s last hours

Princess Anne is grateful she got to say a final goodbye to her mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in person before she died last Thursday.

“I was fortunate to share the last 24 hours of my dearest Mother’s life,” the Princess Royal, 72, said in a statement on Tuesday.

“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.”

Anne also noted she and the late Queen shared many “unique” memories, and then took a moment to thank those who have expressed her family’s shared “sense of loss.”

The royal — who was Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s second child and only daughter — said her mother’s passing may have reminded her and the UK how much Her Majesty’s “presence and contribution to our national identity we took for granted.”

“I am also so grateful for the support and understanding offered to my dear brother Charles as he accepts the added responsibilities of The Monarch,” Anne wrote before concluding, “To my mother, The Queen, thank you.”

Earlier this week, Anne also paid her respects to her mother by curtsying in front of the late monarch’s coffin as it was being taken into the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.

The Princess Royal took on the task of accompanying the Queen’s casket on its long journey to its final resting place in Windsor.

She also accompanied her mother’s coffin when it was transported to Scotland via a Royal Air Force plane to RAF Northolt on Tuesday.

Queen Elizabeth II died at age 96 on Sept. 8 after months of declining health.

In October 2021, she was hospitalized overnight and had to cancel several royal appearances. Her Majesty then raised concerns in February 2022 when she tested positive for COVID-19.

Aside from Anne, Queen Elizabeth II is survived by her three sons, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and King Charles III, who has taken over his mother’s royal duties as head of the monarchy.