The Queen's only daughter Princess Anne has shared a statement following the official announcement about the monarch's death from Buckingham Palace
Last modified on Sep 13, 2022 19:00 BST Eve Crosbie Princess Anne is grieving the loss of her mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who has died at the age of 96.
The monarch died on Thursday 8 September at Balmoral in Scotland surrounded by her close family. As she accompanied her mother's coffin back to Buckingham Palace, Anne, who is the second child and only daughter of the late monarch and Prince Philip, released a statement which read:"I was fortunate to share the last 24 hours of my dearest Mother’s life. It has been an honour and a privilege to accompany her on her final journeys.
She finished:"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. To my mother, The Queen, thank you."
Anne, 72, is 17th in the line of succession to the British throne and has been Princess Royal since 1987. The Queen was Britain's longest-reigning monarch and head of state for 70 years, taking over as sovereign at the tender age of 25 when her father, King George VI, died.Her Majesty passed away at Balmoral in Scotland. A statement from Buckingham Palace read:"The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.