In a remarkable revelation, it has come to light that Queen Elizabeth II maintained a personal diary throughout her reign, diligently documenting her thoughts and experiences as often as possible. Renowned journalist and royal biographer Robert Hardman delves into the monarch’s final journal entries in the updated edition of his biography, Charles III: New King, New Court, The Inside. This new release offers a treasure trove of insights into the royal family, including a glimpse into the Queen’s last days before her death on September 8, 2022.
Hardman reveals that even in her final moments, Elizabeth II remained committed to her duties. According to excerpts quoted by British media outlet Hello!, the Queen continued writing in her diary during her final days at Balmoral Castle, her beloved Scottish retreat. Hardman notes: “Her last entry was as factual and practical as ever. It might have been a description of a typical day, beginning simply with ‘Edward has come to see me,’ while she recorded arrangements her private secretary, Sir Edward Young, made for the swearing-in of the new ministers in the Truss government.”
Indeed, Queen Elizabeth’s dedication was unwavering until the very end. Just one day before her passing, on September 7, 2022, she officially accepted Boris Johnson’s resignation as Prime Minister and appointed Liz Truss as his successor.
The Potential Public Release of Royal Diaries
There is now speculation that Queen Elizabeth’s diaries may be made accessible to the public in the future. Several royal journals have been published before, such as those of Queen Victoria. Currently, Paul Whybrew, a longtime confidant of Elizabeth II, has reportedly been tasked by King Charles III with reviewing her letters and diaries. His objective is to determine which archives may be suitable for public release, offering a potential treasure trove of historical insights.
Elizabeth II to Appear in a Posthumous Film
Beyond her life of duty, Queen Elizabeth II was known for her charming sense of humor, which endeared her to many. Her unexpected cameo alongside James Bond at the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony and her delightful sketch with Paddington Bear during her Platinum Jubilee celebration became iconic moments. Now, two years after her passing, the Queen is set to make another surprise appearance. Variety magazine recently revealed that the late monarch will feature in a cameo role in Paddington 3, the latest installment of the beloved film series set in Peru. The film is slated for release in French cinemas in February 2025. This posthumous cameo serves as a fitting tribute to the Queen, who was known to be a fan of the iconic British bear.
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