In his first televised address as monarch, King Charles paid tribute to his late mother: “To my darling mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I say this: thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you served so diligently.”

Cause of de:ath confirmed

Although her death certificate — signed by Princess Anne — listed her cause of death as old age, Sir Edward’s memo offered a more intimate description of her final moments.

He wrote simply: “Very peaceful. In her sleep. Slipped away. Old age. She wouldn’t have been aware of anything. No pain.”

Her state funeral was held on September 19, 2022, at Westminster Abbey, where the world gathered to honor Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.