Queen's stoic final words days before death as she dwelled on faith and father (2024)

The Queen passed away a year ago today, and just days before her death, she seemed 'very much at peace' as she shared some stoic words about her 70 years on the throne

In June last year, we were all marking Queen Elizabeth II's 70 years on the throne with her Platinum Jubilee celebrations, and just a few months later on September 8, 2022, we learned the sad news that the 96-year-old monarch had passed away at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. The celebrations cemented her as the second-longest reigning monarch in the world and had been a time of immense joy for the royal family.

When the Queen's health deteriorated in the months after her Platinum Jubilee, she was said to be "very much at peace" and had "no regrets" about the life she had lived. The Right Reverend Dr Iain Greenshields, then Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said she was at ease when he spoke to her, and revealed the stoic final words she said to him just days before her passing.

Dr Greenshields said the Queen spoke of her faith and her love for Balmoral, as he revealed: "It was her ­Platinum Jubilee year and so she was looking back. She had no regrets and was very much at peace. At one point she went to the window and said, 'Who would not want to be here?'. She was in a very peaceful, private place. She also mentioned her father - George VI - and the great influence his faith had on her".

Several members of the royal family have marked the first anniversary of the Queen's death today, with her son, King Charles III, sharing an emotional tribute to his mother as well as reaffirming his pledge to devote his life to service as King and thanking people across the globe for their support after he took over as monarch.

He said: "In marking the first anniversary of Her late Majesty's death and my accession, we recall with great ­affection her long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us. I am deeply grateful, too, for the love and support that has been shown to my wife and myself during this year as we do our utmost to be of service to you all."

The King has remained at Balmoral in Scotland, where the Queen died, to spend time "quietly reflecting" on his loss, as well as his first 12 months as sovereign and "looking forward to the future".

The Prince and Princess of Wales also paid a personal tribute to the late Queen, writing: "Today we remember the extraordinary life and legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth. We all miss you. W & C". It was accompanied by a photo of the late monarch surrounded by her great-grandchildren including Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis and her two youngest grandchildren.

And the Queen's right-hand woman, Angela Kelly - who was the former monarch's dresser and confidante - said she would "never forget" the Queen. She posted on Instagram: "I will never forget you. I will always love you. I miss you, my friend," and followed the words with a black heart emoji and a black and white photo of Ms Kelly with the Queen, who was smiling broadly, dressed in robes and the glittering Diamond Diadem.

Last night, Prince Harry remembered his grandmother during a moving speech at the WellChild Awards in London. Speaking to a packed room, he said: "I'll try not to get choked up this evening." He continued: "As you know, I was unable to attend the awards last as my grandmother passed away.

"As you also know, she would have been the first person to insist that I still come to be with you all instead of going to her. And that's why I know that exactly one year on she's looking down on us on all of us tonight, happy we're together and continuing to spotlight such an incredible community."

Today, the Duke of Sussex was spotted paying his respects to his grandmother alone at Windsor Castle during a swift trip to the UK. Unlike his visit last year, he won't be seeing the King or other royals, as Charles reportedly has 'no space in the diary' for his son's fleeting visit.