At Balmoral, officials also found a locked red box containing paperwork and two sealed letters—one for her secretary and one for her eldest son.

How King Charles Learned the News

While driving back to Balmoral, Charles reportedly received a phone call that began with two words—“Your Majesty”—which signaled that his mother had died and he was now king. Wanting to personally inform his sons, he carefully worded his calls through the palace switchboard, avoiding any mention of titles or details before speaking directly to William and Harry.

Prince Harry later wrote in his memoir that he learned of his grandmother’s passing via a BBC news alert after his plane landed, as Charles had been unable to reach him mid-flight.

A Historic Farewell

Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral was held on September 19 at Westminster Abbey, attended by world leaders, dignitaries, and her family. That evening, she was laid to rest in the King George VI Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle, beside her parents, sister Princess Margaret, and her beloved husband, Prince Philip.

The palace confirmed: “This evening a Private Burial will take place in The King George VI Memorial Chapel at Windsor. The queen will be laid to rest with her late husband the Duke of Edinburgh, alongside her father King George VI, mother Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and sister Princess Margaret.”

King Charles’s Tribute

With his mother’s passing, Charles ascended the throne and Camilla became Queen Consort. In his first televised address, he expressed his grief and gratitude:
“To my darling mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I will say this, thank you for your love and your devotion to our family and the family of nations you have served.”

He added: “I pay tribute to my mother’s memory and I honour her life of service. I know that her death brings great sadness to so many of us and I share that sense of loss beyond measure with you all.”