Heartbreaking memo sent to royal staff moments after late Queen passed away

The memo has become part of a new biography of King Charles III, Charles III: New King, New Court, written by Robert Hardman and serialised in the Daily Mail - it tells of the final moments of the late Queen before her passing

In the immediate aftermath of the late Queen's passing, a heartbreaking memo sent to royal staff provided insight into her final moments.

Sir Edward Young, the Queen's private secretary, described her passing as "very peaceful" and without pain. According to the Daily Mail, the full text of Sir Edward's memo about the Queen's death on 8 September 2022 reads: "Very peaceful. In her sleep. Slipped away. Old age. She wouldn't have been aware of anything. No pain." This poignant detail reflects the serene manner in which the beloved monarch departed.

The memo has become part of a biography of King Charles III, Charles III: New King, New Court, written by Robert Hardman and serialised in the Daily Mail. Buckingham Palace has chosen not to comment on this "unauthorised" biography, which has garnered significant attention. Notably, the King was reportedly picking mushrooms nearby when his mother passed away, an image that captures the everyday nature of life amidst profound loss.

Sir Edward’s memo offers a touching account of the Queen's final moments. The document, believed to reside in the Royal Archives, is a crucial element of Hardman’s book. The sentiment expressed in the memo resonates deeply with those who admired the Queen, serving as a final reflection on her life.

Additionally, the biography reveals a locked red box containing important paperwork was found at the late Queen's bedside. This box included two sealed letters—one addressed to then-Prince Charles and the other to Sir Edward. The paperwork was brought to the royal aide shortly after he composed the memo, which also contained her list of individuals to be awarded the Order of Merit for "exceptionally meritorious service" across the Commonwealth.

In those final moments, King Charles and Queen Camilla spent about an hour with the Queen privately before her passing. Princess Anne, a minister from a nearby church, and the Queen's senior dresser alternated at her bedside, ensuring she was not alone during her last moments.

As the reality of the situation unfolded, King Charles called both of his sons, urging them to travel to Scotland as soon as possible to say their goodbyes. Having gone out to gather mushrooms to clear his head, he learned of his mother’s death while driving back to Balmoral. It was during this time that he was first addressed as "Your Majesty."

When the King called Prince William via the Buckingham Palace switchboard to share the devastating news, he simply said, "it's me," aware that he could not yet reveal he had become monarch. His attempts to reach his younger son, Prince Harry, were unsuccessful, as Harry was already en route to Scotland.