She wanted The Princess Royal to take a primary role in escorting her coffin.
Before passing, the late Queen Elizabeth II wished for something important at her funeral. In the days preceding the death of the monarch and the state funeral, the Queen reportedly requested that her only daughter Anne take the primary role in carrying her coffin, reports Geo News. This cemented both Princess Anne's role as a family pillar and helped Anne share the actual load such a responsibility would put on King Charles. Her last wish is similar to that of the part she took in her father King George VI's funeral in 1952, per BBC.
Princess Anne was with her mother during her final 24 hours, per Style Caster. Anne posted a lovely snapshot of herself and the Queen on Instagram with the caption, "I was fortunate to share the last 24 hours of my dearest Mother’s life. It has been an honor and a privilege to accompany her on her final journeys. Witnessing the love and respect shown by so many on these journeys has been both humbling and uplifting. We will all share unique memories. I offer my thanks to each and everyone who shares our sense of loss."
Princess Royal continued, "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."
Honoring her mother's wishes, Princess Anne has taken the primary role in leading the Queen's coffin through every service. She feels concerned for her brother, His Majesty King Charles III, who is dealing with the loss of his mother and the responsibilities toward the monarchy. She walked behind pallbearers to St Giles' Cathedral. The princess was the first female member of the royal family that took part in the traditional stage at the queen's laying-in-rest state. She was dressed in her honorary Royal Navy ceremonial uniform, a symbol that she is equal to her brothers.
At the queen's state funeral, she shared an emotional moment with her brother, King Charles III, as he broke into tears on the final journey with their mother, per Manchester Evening News. She looked at her brother with a worried expression as the King gazed at the ground to take in emotion before entering the church for his mother's burial.
Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at Balmoral castle on September 8.
References:
https://www.geo.tv/latest/440135-queen-elizabeths-wish-about-her-funeral-revealed
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-62895373
https://www.instagram.com/p/CidMxsXMAtF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/uk-news/royal-fans-spot-princess-annes-25055487
Cover Image Souce: Getty Images | WPA Pool
