The passing of Queen Elizabeth marked the end of an era, leaving the world in shared sorrow. Though opinions on the monarchy vary, the Queen was a cherished figure for many. Her remarkable 70-year reign concluded with her rejoining her beloved husband, Prince Philip, in rest.
In the days following her death at Balmoral, whispers about what caused her passing began to surface, with unconfirmed rumors suggesting bone cancer. A trusted confidant of the Queen recently shared poignant details about her final days with The Daily Beast.
Queen Elizabeth departed this life on September 8, 2022, at 96. After a stately funeral at Westminster Abbey, her final journey took her coffin through London to Wellington Arch before heading to Windsor. There, a procession led to St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, where another solemn service was held.
At the chapel, the Choir of St George’s Chapel sang, and in a moving tribute, the Imperial State Crown, the Orb, and the Sceptre were respectfully removed from atop her coffin and placed on the altar.
King Charles honored his mother by placing the Company Camp Colour of the Grenadier Guards on her casket. The Lord Chamberlain then broke his Wand of Office, symbolically placing it beside.
The gathering sang “God Save The King” as Queen Elizabeth’s coffin gently descended into the Royal Vault. It was a visibly emotional moment for Charles, who fought back tears. A private burial was held that evening, attended only by her closest family.
Her Majesty’s Final Resting Place
Now resting peacefully in the King George VI Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth lies beside her parents, her sister Princess Margaret, and her beloved husband, Prince Phillip. After Phillip’s passing, his coffin was first placed in the royal vault at St. George’s Chapel, later moved to be alongside Elizabeth, offering an enduring farewell site for people who wish to pay their respects.
The enormous financial underpinning of her funeral and lying-in-state was revealed to be around $200 million. As the first state funeral since Winston Churchill’s in 1965, the occasion drew hundreds of thousands to see Elizabeth lying in state at Westminster Hall.
“The government’s priorities were for these events to run smoothly with respect and safety,” shared John Glen, chief secretary to the treasury, highlighting how vital dignity was upheld throughout.
For weeks, the details of the Queen’s cause of death were cloaked in secrecy. The Daily Mail pointed out the frustration among those who felt her death certificate should have been public information.
Official Cause of Death: “Old Age”
In late September 2022, officials tagged old age as Queen Elizabeth’s cause of death, squashing any speculation. Her passing was registered on September 16, a delicate reminder of life’s natural end stages.
The hours surrounding Queen Elizabeth’s passing were equally tense and heartbreaking. While King Charles and Camilla were present, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Prince Harry were sadly absent at Balmoral during her last moments.
Prince Harry, emotional, shared insight on this difficult period through a 60 Minutes interview with Anderson Cooper, revealing how plans to jointly travel with Prince William were made challenging and eventually led to a missed farewell.
Heaviness of Missing Goodbyes
The emotional weight of these final moments was not lost on Harry, whose reflections upon his grandmother’s life were poignant. After landing in Scotland, he found out from a public news source of her passing. Princess Anne was the first to meet him at Balmoral.
Harry courageously faced his loss, taking an intimate moment alone with the Queen. In his memoirs, he recounts silently expressing his hopes for her happiness and admiration for her unyielding dedication to her duties till the very end.
An Ailing Queen: Bone Cancer Speculation
Though officially recorded as dying from old age, some speculate Queen Elizabeth quietly battled bone cancer. According to royal author Gyles Brandreth, this would contextualize her mobility challenges and fatigue.
Bone issues, particularly in the elderly, are devastating and debilitating. Despite such adversities, Queen Elizabeth continued to fulfill her royal obligations, a testament to her resilience.
Quiet Resolve Amid Mobility Constraints
Sources from Express suggested the Queen was rarely photographed in a wheelchair, transitioning between private and public life with dignity. Her indomitable spirit was evident; she remained a figurehead of resilience despite growing physically frail.
Royal author Robert Joobson detailed how even mobility aids were meticulously managed. A military-style preparation ensured her presence for the Platinum Jubilee remained dignified, free from public notice of a wheelchair—an enduring final salute to her life of service, symbolized by a final smile during a fireworks display.
Challenges in Her Final Days
Friends close to the beloved monarch shared glimpses into her final years. Despite her joyful demeanor, Queen Elizabeth faced significant health challenges that included hearing, vision impairments, along with increasing confusion, laying bare the vulnerabilities of age.
Her last appearances, such as the momentous Platinum Jubilee balcony gathering, demanded monumental effort. These courageous acts of showing up for her people underscored her commitment, even in frailty.
Life and service now concluded, Queen Elizabeth’s legacy continues to inspire. As her enduring light joins history, we are left with cherished memories of duty, grace, and unwavering spirit.
In reflection, remember fondly Queen Elizabeth II and share this memory honoring her profound journey.
