Subhi Agrawal
In a speech marking the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament on Sunday, Sept. 29, Charles, 75, shared that Elizabeth selected Balmoral as her final resting place due to her deep affection for the estate and Scotland as a whole.
“Where She Chose To Spend Her Final Days”
“My late mother especially treasured the time spent at Balmoral, and it was there, in the most beloved of places, where she chose to spend her final days,” the King stated in his speech.
Before this, Charles expressed that Scotland “always had a uniquely special place in the hearts of my family and myself” and that his “beloved grandmother was proudly Scottish.”
On Sep. 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth passed away at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
The late monarch was known for visiting Balmoral at least once a year, usually at the end of summer, accompanied by the rest of the royal family and her late husband, Prince Philip.
Charles’ speech about his late mother follows his and Camilla’s attendance at church in the village of Crathie on Sept. 8, marking the second anniversary of her death.
His eldest son, Prince William, and his wife, Kate Middleton, were also spotted at the church, marking Kate’s first public appearance since announcing the completion of her chemotherapy.
Princess Anne Reflects on Queen Elizabeth’s Concerns
In the documentary Charles III: The Coronation Year, released in December 2023, Princess Anne discussed how her mother, Queen Elizabeth, expressed her worries about the challenges associated with passing away at Balmoral.
“I think there was a moment when she felt it would be more difficult if she died at Balmoral,” Anne, 74, stated. She then explained that the royal family encouraged the late queen to focus less on practical responsibilities and more on enjoying her time at Balmoral.
Prince Harry recounted his memories of visiting Balmoral with the queen in his book Spare, which was published in January 2023.
“To me, Balmoral was always simply paradise. My family lived to be outdoors, especially Granny, who got cross if she didn’t breathe at least an hour of fresh air each day,” he noted.
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