She had always said that she wanted to die in the saddle, and she came very close to it. The Queen's last public appearance was on July 31, 2023, when she watched her filly, Tactical, win the King George Stakes at Goodwood. She was radiant with joy, waving to the cheering crowd and smiling broadly as she received the trophy from her grandson, Prince William.
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It was a fitting finale for a monarch who had devoted her life to her people and her passion for horses. No one could have guessed that less than a month later, she would be gone.
The Queen passed away peacefully in her sleep at Windsor Castle on August 27, 2023, at the age of 97. She had been suffering from a chest infection for some time, but had refused to let it slow her down. She had insisted on carrying out her duties as head of state, signing official papers and holding audiences with her prime minister and other dignitaries.
She had also made sure to spend time with her family, especially her husband, Prince Philip, who had celebrated his 102nd birthday in June. The couple had been married for 76 years, and had shared the joys and sorrows of a remarkable reign. They had seen their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up, and had witnessed the transformation of their country and the world.
The Queen had also endured the loss of her beloved son, Prince Charles, who had died in a helicopter crash in Scotland in 2021, along with his wife, Camilla, and two of their grandchildren. The tragedy had shaken the nation and the monarchy, but the Queen had shown remarkable strength and resilience, leading the mourning and comforting the bereaved.
She had also welcomed a new heir to the throne, Prince George, who had been born in 2019, and had taken a keen interest in his upbringing and education. She had been delighted by the birth of his sister, Princess Charlotte, in 2022, and had looked forward to meeting her newest great-grandchild, Prince Louis, who had been born in June 2023.
The Queen had also reconciled with her grandson, Prince Harry, who had returned to the UK in 2022, after spending two years in Canada with his wife, Meghan, and their son, Archie. The couple had stepped back from their royal duties in 2020, following a series of controversies and disagreements with the palace. They had also given a bombshell interview to Oprah Winfrey, in which they had accused the royal family of racism and neglect.
The Queen had been deeply hurt by their allegations, but had also been concerned for their welfare and happiness. She had reached out to them privately, and had invited them to join the rest of the family for Christmas at Sandringham in 2022. The reunion had been tense at first, but had gradually thawed, thanks to the Queen's warmth and grace. She had also made a point of spending time with Archie, who had called her "Gan-Gan", and had given him a special gift: a rocking horse that had belonged to Prince William.
The Queen had hoped to see Harry and Meghan again in 2023, but had been disappointed when they had declined her invitation, citing the pandemic and their busy schedules. They had also announced that they were expecting their second child, a girl, in September 2023, and had asked the Queen to respect their privacy.
The Queen had respected their wishes, but had also felt hurt and excluded. She had confided in her closest friends and advisers that she did not understand why they had chosen to distance themselves from her and the rest of the family. She had also wondered if they would ever return to the fold, or if they would remain estranged.
She had never found out the answer, as she had never spoken to them again. They had not been among the few people who had been allowed to visit her in her final days, when she had been confined to her bed at Windsor Castle. The Queen had made it clear that she only wanted to see her husband, her daughter, Princess Anne, her youngest son, Prince Edward, and his wife, Sophie, and her grandchildren, Prince William and Prince Harry.
She had also asked to see her favourite corgi, Candy, who had been her loyal companion for 15 years. The dog had been brought to her bedside, and had snuggled up to her, sensing that something was wrong. The Queen had stroked her fur and whispered to her, "You're a good girl, Candy. You've been a good friend to me."
The Queen had also received the last rites from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who had prayed with her and blessed her. He had later said that she had been calm and serene, and had expressed her gratitude to God and her people for the life she had been given.
She had also expressed her love and pride for her family, and had asked them to carry on her legacy of service and duty. She had told them that she was not afraid of death, and that she was ready to go. She had said, "I have done my best. I have fulfilled my vow. I have served my country and my Commonwealth. I have loved my husband and my family. I have nothing to regret. I am at peace."
She had then closed her eyes and drifted into a deep sleep, from which she never woke up. She had died in the early hours of the morning, with Prince Philip holding her hand. He had been the first to notice that she had stopped breathing, and had gently kissed her forehead. He had then called for a doctor, who had confirmed that she was gone.
The news had been broken to the nation and the world by a sombre announcement from Buckingham Palace, which had said, "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will be made in due course. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."
The announcement had triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the
