The News
**Princess Anne Pays Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II in Emotional Statement**
Princess Anne, the beloved daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II, has expressed her gratitude and pride in accompanying her mother on her final journeys back to London.
In a heartfelt statement, Princess Anne shared her experience of being by her mother's side during the last 24 hours of her life.
She reflected on the overwhelming love and respect shown to the Queen as her coffin made its way from Balmoral to Edinburgh and finally to London, describing the experience as both humbling and uplifting.
Expressing her appreciation to the nation for their unwavering support towards her brother, Prince Charles, as he steps into his role as King, Princess Anne concluded her statement with a simple yet powerful message: “To my mother, the Queen, thank you.”
The emotional tribute was posted on the Royal Family's Instagram account alongside a touching photo of Anne and the Queen taken at Windsor Castle's white drawing room, originally released to commemorate the monarch's 90th birthday in 2016.
During the Queen's final days, Princess Anne remained by her side at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where Her Majesty peacefully passed away on Thursday, September 8.
As the nation mourned the loss of its longest-reigning monarch, Princess Anne took on the responsibility of escorting her mother's body back to London.
Accompanied by her husband Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Lawrence, she traveled with the Queen's Oak Coffin to Buckingham Palace, where members of the royal family awaited its arrival.
Among those present to receive the Queen's remains were King Charles III, the Queen Consort, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Duke of York, Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank, Zara and Mike Tyndall, Lady Louise Windsor and Viscount Severn, as well as Princess Margaret's children Lady Sarah Chatto and Earl Snowdon.
In her full statement, Princess Anne expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support and acknowledged the profound impact of the Queen's presence on the nation's identity.
She emphasized the unique memories shared by all who mourned the loss and extended her thanks to everyone who joined in their sense of grief.
Additionally, Princess Anne highlighted the importance of supporting her brother Charles as he assumes the responsibilities of the monarchy.
Following the Queen's passing, Princess Anne made history by becoming the first royal woman to participate in the vigil of princes, standing watch over her mother's coffin alongside her brothers King Charles, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh.
Clad in her navy ceremonial uniform, Princess Anne maintained a solemn vigil, symbolizing the deep respect and love she held for her mother, Queen Elizabeth II.