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Inside the royals’ urgent dash to be at Queen’s bedside before she died peacefully at Balmoral

New details of Queen Elizabeth II’s sad final hours have emerged, including the senior royals’ urgent dash to be by her side.

How the BBC announced the Queen’s death

Senior royals faced an urgent dash to be at the Queen’s bedside before she died peacefully at Balmoral on Thursday evening.

Buckingham Palace announced just after midday local time that the 96-year-old monarch was under supervision at the Scottish estate amid “concerns” for her health.

The devastating statement sparked a flurry of activity from the royals as they rushed to join the Queen’s side, The Sun reports.

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Prince Charles – now King Charles – was already in Scotland. Picture: Paul Edwards – WPA Pool/Getty Images
Prince Charles – now King Charles – was already in Scotland. Picture: Paul Edwards – WPA Pool/Getty Images

Prince Charles – now King Charles III – was already in Scotland on previous planned engagements along with his sister Princess Anne.

His helicopter was also seen landing on the grounds of Balmoral this morning.

one of the last photos of Queen Elizabeth II, taken just two days ago. Picture: Jane Barlow/Pool/AFP
one of the last photos of Queen Elizabeth II, taken just two days ago. Picture: Jane Barlow/Pool/AFP

His wife Camilla also travelled to the estate after cancelling an event at a hospital in Scotland.

Soon after, it was confirmed Prince William had made his way there too, with Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie Wessex.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge drives a Range Rover carrying Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and wife Sophie towards Balmoral Castle. Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge drives a Range Rover carrying Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and wife Sophie towards Balmoral Castle. Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Prince William, Prince Andrew, Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Edward, Earl of Wessex arrive at Balmoral Castle. Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Prince William, Prince Andrew, Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Edward, Earl of Wessex arrive at Balmoral Castle. Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Their plane was spotted landing in Aberdeen shortly before 4pm.

A fleet of Range Rovers was then driven through the gates of Balmoral as the nation held its breath.

The Duke of Cambridge was seen driving his uncles and Sophie to be with the Queen.

The Duchess of Cambridge stayed with children George, Charlotte and Louis who have just started at a new school after the family recently relocated to Windsor from London.

It was earlier reported that both Harry and Meghan, who happened to be visiting the UK, would go to Balmoral.

Prince Harry seen leaving Aberdeen Airport for Balmoral. Picture: Michal Wachucik/Abermedia/Australscope
Prince Harry seen leaving Aberdeen Airport for Balmoral. Picture: Michal Wachucik/Abermedia/Australscope
An aeroplane carrying the Duke of Sussex arrives at Aberdeen Airport. Picture: Paul Campbell/PA Images via Getty Images
An aeroplane carrying the Duke of Sussex arrives at Aberdeen Airport. Picture: Paul Campbell/PA Images via Getty Images

But sources later said the Duchess of Sussex would remain in London.

Prince Harry was later pictured looking sombre as he made his way from Aberdeen Airport to the Queen’s Scottish residence by car.

He and Meghan had returned to the UK for a string of charity events – heading to Manchester before jetting to Germany to mark one year to go ahead of the next Invictus Games.

King Charles led royals in paying tribute to the Queen after she passed away peacefully overnight Australian time.

He said: “The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.

“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.

“During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held.”

The palace confirmed the Queen had passed away with a sombre statement released at 6.30pm local time.

It 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.”

This article originally appeared in The Sun and has been reproduced with permission

Read related topics:Queen Elizabeth II

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals/inside-the-royals-urgent-dash-to-be-at-queens-bedside-before-she-died-peacefully-at-balmoral/news-story/04b0047000622fc286ed5aaf22aff939