Heartbreaking Call: Princess Anne’s Eleven Words to King Charles Before the Queen’s Passing

In a poignant revelation from royal biographer Robert Hardman, details have emerged about a deeply emotional phone call between Princess Anne and King Charles just one day before the death of their mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

This significant moment is captured in Hardman's latest book, New Court, New King: Charles I, which delves into the early days of Charles's reign following the loss of his mother.

According to Hardman, the Princess Royal made a heart-wrenching call to her brother, who was then the Prince of Wales.

Her message was stark and urgent: “Look, I think you need to come up here to Balmoral Castle tomorrow.

Things are taking a bit of a turn for the worse.” These eleven words carried the weight of impending grief, signaling that the Queen's health was deteriorating rapidly.

While there may have been an inclination for Charles to rush to Balmoral that night, Hardman explains why he hesitated.

If he had canceled his engagements at such short notice, it would have raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about the royal family's situation.

The last thing they needed was for the public to catch wind of something amiss before they were ready to share the news.

Hardman's insights reveal a complex web of emotions and responsibilities within the royal family.

He notes that those close to King Charles were acutely aware of the implications of his travel decisions.

If he were to cancel numerous obligations, it would send alarm bells ringing across the country, leading to rampant speculation regarding the Queen's health.

The context of this tragic moment is further underscored by the political landscape at the time.

Queen Elizabeth's inability to attend a scheduled Privy Council meeting via audio link raised significant concerns within Downing Street.

Newly appointed Prime Minister Liz Truss and her team were poised for what is typically a routine gathering, only to be met with an unexpected cancellation that sent shockwaves through the corridors of power.

Hardman recounts that the Privy Council meeting is a crucial event, especially following a change in leadership.

The sudden announcement that the Queen would not be participating—especially given her recent activities—was indeed alarming.

It was a clear indication that something was seriously wrong.

Penny Mordaunt, the Leader of the House of Commons, along with Truss, found themselves at the center of this unfolding drama.

Just as they were preparing to enter the meeting, they received the startling news that it had been called off.

The realization that the Queen was unable to fulfill her duties marked a turning point, igniting concern among those present.

This blend of royal duty and personal loss paints a vivid picture of the challenges facing the monarchy during a time of transition.

As Charles stepped into his new role, he was not only navigating the responsibilities of kingship but also grappling with the profound sorrow of losing his mother.