The monarch died on Thursday 8
September at Balmoral in Scotland surrounded by her close family. As she
accompanied her mother’s coffin back to Buckingham Palace, Anne, who is the
second child and only daughter of the late monarch and Prince Philip, released
a statement that read: “I was fortunate to share the last 24 hours of my
dearest Mother’s life. It has been an honour and a privilege to accompany
her on her final journeys.
“Witnessing the love and
respect shown by so many on these journeys has been both humbling and
uplifting. We will all share unique memories. I offer my thanks to each
and everyone who shares our sense of loss.”
She finished: “We may
have been reminded how much of her presence and contribution to our national
identity we took for granted. I am also so grateful for the support and
understanding offered to my dear brother Charles as he accepts the added
responsibilities of The Monarch. To my mother, The Queen, thank you.”
Anne, 72, is 17th in the line
of succession to the British throne and has been Princess Royal since 1987.
The Queen was Britain’s
longest-reigning monarch and head of state for 70 years, taking over as sovereign
at the tender age of 25 when her father, King George VI, died.
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Anne is the second child and only daughter of the late monarch
Her Majesty passed away at
Balmoral in Scotland. A statement from Buckingham Palace read: “The Queen
died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will
remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
