By Sheila Mckenzie-
A new documentary set to air on Boxing Day reveals the late Queen Elizabeth II’s concerns about dying in her final days and the early reign of King Charles III, as Princess Anne sheds light on the late Queen’s thoughts and emotions during her last moments.
Sharing her unique perspective on the succession to the throne and the challenges that came with it, princess Anne touches on several aspects leading up to the late Queen’s death that were previously unknown to the public.
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Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, passed away peacefully at Balmoral in Scotland on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96.
The documentary explores the first 12 months of King Charles’ reign, including Her Majesty’s funeral at St George’s Chapel at Windsor.
Queen Elizabeth with some of her grandchildren and great grandchildren at Balmoral.
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Princess Anne- the late monarch’s only daughter- admitted in the documentary that she was surprised by her own feelings when jeweller Mark Appleby removed the crown, sceptre and orb before Her Majesty’s coffin was lowered into the royal vault.
She explained: “When he takes the crown off the coffin, I rather weirdly felt a sense of relief. Somehow, that’s it. Finished. That responsibility has been moved on.”
Watched by the family members, the moment was symbolic of the Queen passing her role down to her eldest son, Charles who is the oldest monarch to have ever taken the throne at age 75.
Speaking of her brother’s new responsibility as King, Anne said: “I’m not sure that anybody can really prepare themselves for that kind of change… not easily.
“And then the change happens and you go ‘OK, I now have to get on with it’. Monarchy is a 365 days a year occupation, it doesn’t stop because you change monarchs.”
Princess Anne opens up about her late mother’s funeral during an interview for Charles III: The Coronation Year Image: BBC
The 90-minute documentary, which is narrated by actress Helena Bonham Carter, features interviews with the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Camilla’s sister Annabel Elliot.
The film gives a revealing insight into the countless hours of rehearsals which went into King Charles’ Coronation as well as some light hearted moments.
In the process of trying to figure out how to get the heavy crown to stay on his head, Charles tells Welby: “Just jam it on. It’s so huge, it’s got to be on right and I can’t do anything about it.”
The Imperial State Crown was removed from the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II (Image: Joe Giddens/PA Wire)
Princess Anne discloses in the documentary that her mother, in her final days, expressed concern about the potential difficulties that might arise if she were to die at Balmoral.
Anne recounts how the family tried to persuade the Queen that the location should not influence the decision-making process.
Anne reflects with a touch of humor, saying, “So I hope she felt that that was right in the end, because I think we did.”
The documentary hints at the weight of decisions and considerations that were part of the late Queen’s thoughts, even as she neared the end of her remarkable 70-year reign.
Princess Anne reveals her own emotions during the symbolic transition, sharing the moment the Imperial State Crown was removed from her mother’s coffin at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, brought a sense of relief.
This symbolic act marked the completion of a significant chapter and the beginning of a new era.
The 90-minute documentary, narrated by Helena Bonham Carter, provides an in-depth look at the preparations and behind-the-scenes moments leading up to King Charles III’s coronation.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and close friends, contribute their insights, offering a unique perspective on the significant events.
The documentary captures candid moments, including rehearsals for the coronation, where King Charles III is seen interacting with Archbishop Welby and his son and heir, the Prince of Wales.
It explores the challenges and joys that the new monarch experiences in his inaugural year, from state visits to hosting South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Anne further notes that her brother is learning new things about the monarchy and its operations, expressing admiration for Camilla’s modern approach to the role.
Reflecting on the succession, Princess Anne acknowledges the difficulty of preparing for such a profound change. She emphasizes that monarchy is a year-round occupation, and the responsibilities continue seamlessly, regardless of the change in monarchs.
A Glimpse into the Future The Coronation Year promises to be a compelling exploration of the monarchy’s evolution and the enduring legacy of Queen Elizabeth II.
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