A downcast and devastated Prince Harry arrived at the Queen’s holiday home alone in the back of car less than two hours after the announcement his beloved 96-year-old grandmother had died.
Prince Harry has tragically missed out on saying his final goodbyes to his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, arriving just under two hours after her sudden death.
Her Majesty’s four children, Charles, Anne, Andrews and Edward, including her grandchild Prince William, rushed to her Balmoral residence in Scotland after doctors raised concerns earlier on Thursday about her deteriorating health.
Prince Harry – who was in London with wife Meghan Markle to attend the WellChild Awards and engagements for the Invictus Games – quickly boarded a private jet for the quick one-and-a-half hour trip to be by his grandmother’s bedside.
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But she sadly died while he was still making the trip from the British capital.
The father-of-two touched down at a Scottish airport 15 minutes after her death was officially announced by the Buckingham Palace at 6:30pm.
He then made the journey from the airport hanger to the royal’s holiday home alone in the back of a vehicle with two security guards in the front seats.
A sombre and visibly upset Prince Harry – dressed in a black suit and shielding his face from the waiting media – arrived to the estate at 7:52pm.
He then went inside to be with the rest of the family.
Royal commentator Annabelle Sanderson confirmed to Sky News Australia Prince Harry – arguably the Queen’s favourite grandchild – did not get to say his farewells.
“Do we know if Harry made it in time?” First Edition host Peter Stefanovic asked.
“He didn’t, no,” Ms Sanderson said.
“I think she officially passed about 4pm in the afternoon (local time) and he was still travelling about 7pm in the evening.”
A spokesperson for the pair has earlier confirmed Prince Harry and Meghan would be both travelling on Thursday to Scotland to be with the family.
But plans changed and it’s believed Meghan remained in London but will not attend the WellChild Awards following the cancellation of her husband’s appearance.
The Duchess of Sussex may fly to Scotland in coming days, sources have suggested.
The couple had not planned to see any members of the royal family during this trip where their main focus was on charity events close to their heart.
Prince Harry and Meghan last saw the Queen for the Platinum Jubilee in April where they visited the monarch for tea at her Windsor residence.
Sources suggested the visit lasted only 15 minutes where the 96-year-old met her great grandchild, named after her childhood nickname, Lilibet.
“Being with her, it was great, it was so nice to see her,” he said in an interview.
“She’s always got a great sense of humour with me, and I’m making sure she’s protected and has the right people around her.”
Buckingham Palace announced shortly early on Friday morning (Australian time) Her Majesty died “peacefully” at her Scottish estate surrounded by her family.
Queen Elizabeth’s first child, Charles, takes over from the throne she held for more than 70 years and is expected to be known as King Charles III.
He released a short statement sharing his heartbreak of his mother’s death.
“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,” the 73-year-old said.
“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-love 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.”
He will remain in Balmoral overnight surrounded by his siblings and two sons before returning to London with Queen Consort, his wife Camilla, on Friday.
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