During Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022, a powerful image captured the hearts of millions around the world. Her grandsons, Prince William and Prince Harry, walked side by side behind her coffin as she was laid to rest at Westminster Abbey. The moment marked the end of her historic 70-year reign, the longest of any British monarch.

A private farewell few knew about

Beyond the public ceremonies, there was a more intimate moment that remained unknown to many royal fans. In his memoir Spare, published in January 2023, Prince Harry revealed the final words he whispered to his grandmother when he visited her body after her passing.

Like several other members of the royal family, including Prince William, Harry was unable to reach Balmoral in time to say goodbye to the Queen while she was still alive. Upon arriving, he was greeted by Princess Anne, who guided him to the room where her body lay.

In his book, Harry wrote about the emotional encounter:
“I advanced with uncertainty and saw her. I stayed still, watching her carefully for a good while. I whispered that I hoped she was happy and that she was with Grandfather now. I said that I admired her for having carried out her duties until the end. The Jubilee, the welcoming of the new prime minister.”

Tributes from her grandsons

Following her death on 8 September 2022, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released a heartfelt statement. Harry described his grandmother as a “guiding compass” in her commitment to service and duty, praising her grace and dignity throughout her life. He reflected on her lasting impact, quoting her own words after Prince Philip’s passing: “Life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings.”

Prince William also issued his own tribute, expressing both grief and gratitude. He spoke of the wisdom and reassurance he had received from the Queen well into adulthood and highlighted how special it was that his wife and children were able to create lasting memories with her.

Her final written words

In the year following her death, royal biographer Robert Hardman revealed the contents of the Queen’s last diary entry. Known for her practicality, she had continued writing until just two days before she passed away at Balmoral. True to her nature, her final words on paper were described as “factual and practical as ever,” offering a final glimpse into the steadfast character that defined her reign.