Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle with her two eldest children at her bedside.
Charles and Anne were both in Scotland at the time The Queen’s health took a turn for the worse, and they were able to make it to her bedside before she passed, according to sources.
The Duke of York and Earl of Wessex rushed to their mother, but it is understood that they did not arrive at Balmoral in time after doctors had given her just hours to live.
It is understood that the Prince of Wales was summoned to Balmoral at 6.48 am from Dumfries House in Ayrshire, where he had stayed the night after engagements. The Duchess of Cornwall was taken from the couple’s home at Birkhall by car to Balmoral.
Princess Anne was already at Balmoral with her mother, according to the Daily Mail.
A jet was organised to bring the Duke of York, Earl and Countess of Wessex and the Duke of Cambridge to Scotland from London. The group arrived in Scotland around 4 pm and to Balmoral at 5.06 pm. The Prime Minister was notified of Her Majesty’s death at 4:30 pm, meaning the Duke of York and Earl of Wessex were unable to tell their mother goodbye.
The Duke of Sussex travelled separately to Scotland to see his grandmother, but unfortunately, he, too, did not make it to the Scottish estate in time. Prince Harry was in the air when the news was made public, and he arrived at Balmoral at 7.52 pm.
Buckingham Palace waited to make the announcement of The Queen’s death until 6:30 pm, ensuring that all members of the government and Royal Family were informed ahead of the public statement.
The UK is now in a period of mourning, and Operation London Bridge is now underway. Ten days are expected between The Queen’s death and her state funeral at Westminster Abbey in London.
No date for the funeral has yet been announced by Buckingham Palace, but it is expected to be held on Monday, 19 September.
