A poignant glimpse into the final days of Queen Elizabeth II has been revealed through a newly updated royal biography, *Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story* by Robert Hardman. The book unveils the Queen’s last diary entry, penned just two days before her death on September 8, 2022. This simple yet profound inscription offers a window into the Queen’s unwavering dedication to duty and her meticulous record-keeping, a habit she maintained throughout her 70-year reign.
The entry, written on September 6, 2022, reads: “Edward came to see me.” This refers to Sir Edward Young, the Queen’s private secretary, who was assisting her in preparing for the swearing-in of newly-elected UK Prime Minister Liz Truss’ ministers. This appointment would become her final public engagement.
According to The Telegraph, Hardman notes that this was the Queen’s last entry before she “slipped away” in her sleep. He emphasizes that the Queen’s diary was not a space for personal reflections but a meticulous log of her daily activities, ensuring that her life’s events were well-documented. This meticulousness stemmed from a belief that her diary served as a memory tool and a historical archive for future generations.
In her writings, the Queen once explained to society diarist Kenneth Rose that she focused on events rather than conversations. A former royal household member revealed to The Sun in 2019 that the Queen used a fountain pen with black ink and leather-bound diaries marked with her cypher. Writing in her diary was her final act every night, regardless of how late or tiring the day had been.
King Charles III, the Queen’s son and successor, also keeps a journal, but his style differs from his mother’s. He prefers shorter reflections over detailed narratives. A senior courtier who spoke to Hardman revealed that the current monarch “doesn’t write great narrative diaries like he used to”. At the end of the day, Charles “scribbles down his recollections and reflections” instead.
The Queen spent her final days at Balmoral Castle, a place that holds a special place in the heart of the Royal Family. King Charles recently described Balmoral as a cherished retreat, noting that his mother especially loved her time there.
This poignant insight into the Queen’s final diary entry reveals her dedication to duty, her meticulous record-keeping, and her deep connection to Balmoral Castle. It is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her role and her lasting legacy.
