Princess Anne is opening up about her final moments with her mother, Queen Elizabeth II
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The 72-year-old is the second child of Elizabeth and Prince Philip. She was by her mother's bedside during her last 24 hours before she died on September 8. And even in death, the late queen's daughter has not yet left her side.
"I was fortunate to share the last 24 hours of my dearest Mother’s life," Princess Anne said in a statement. "It has been an honour and a privilege to accompany her on her final journeys."
She continued, "Witnessing the love and respect shown by so many on these journeys has been both humbling and uplifting." Princess Anne has stayed close to her mother's coffin in the days since her death. She accompanied it to Buckingham Palace before it makes its way to the queen's final resting place.
"We will all share unique memories. I offer my thanks to each and every one who share our sense of loss," she continued. "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."
She signed the statement, "To my mother, The Queen, thank you." Her simply, yet beautiful words, make it clear just how much love and respect the Princess Royal will forever have for her mother and her years of dedication to her people.
Since the queen's passing, Anne has paid tribute to the late monarch in a multitude of ways. When the queen's coffin arrived at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh on September 11, Anne gave a traditional curtsy.
But she's also broken with tradition in some ways. When the queen's coffin was laid in state at St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, Anne became the first woman to participate in a symbolic watch over the coffin, called the Vigil of the Princes, according to NBC royal expert Daisy McAndrew.
Princess Anne has always been dutiful, a trait she no doubt learned from her mother. But since the queen's death, she's shown what a loving daughter she is, as well. Right now, she's the picture of grace, respect, and dignity.
