Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, sought comfort in the caring support of his aunt, Princess Anne, upon discovering the untimely news of his grandmother, the Queen’s, passing. This insight is revealed in a recent book by royal biographer Robert Hardman, unveiling the emotional moments surrounding the monarch’s death in September 2022.
As per Hardman’s book, “Charles III: New King, New Court: The Inside Story,” Prince Harry, away in the United States, learned about the Queen’s declining health and arrived at Balmoral Castle too late to bid her farewell. In his memoir “Spare,” Harry shared discovering the Queen’s death on BBC News, prompting a solo journey to Balmoral, where he paid his respects in his grandmother’s bedroom.
The Daily Express reports that Princess Anne, the Queen’s daughter, played a crucial role in supporting Harry during this challenging time. Hardman describes Anne as “indispensable” when Harry arrived at Balmoral, offering a comforting hug and guiding him to the Queen’s bedroom for his final respects.
Reports indicate that Prince Harry was deeply saddened for missing the chance to say goodbye due to his delayed arrival. Despite not getting an invitation from his father, King Charles, and brother, Prince William, for a private dinner after the Queen’s passing, Prince Harry did participate in a family feast at Balmoral alongside other senior members of the Royal Family.
In his book, Hardman praises Princess Anne for her steadfast support during these challenging moments. “One of the King’s initial decisions was to entrust Princess Anne with overseeing the expanding house party at Balmoral Castle. The Princess Royal proved indispensable over the next few days,” he observes.
Princess Anne’s presence beside the Queen during her final hours, accompanied by the Queen’s lifelong friend, Angela Kelly, highlights the close familial support during the monarch’s last moments. The book also discloses that King Charles received the news of his mother’s passing while returning from a mushroom-picking outing on the Balmoral estate lands.
As Prince Harry, residing in Los Angeles with Meghan Markle, hastily journeyed to Scotland, the tragic news awaited him upon landing. Accounts from Hardman’s book offer a poignant glimpse into the intricate emotions and family dynamics surrounding the passing of a monarch and the efforts to find solace in the midst of grief.
