Princess Anne Releases Moving Statement About Sharing "The Last 24 Hours Of My Dearest Mother’s Life"

Princess Anne (Princess Royal) released a moving statement on Tuesday evening about being 'fortunate to share the last 24 hours of my dearest mother's life'.

The 72-year-old royal, who this evening accompanied her mother's coffin as it travelled from Edinburgh to London, began: 'I was fortunate to share the last 24 hours of my dearest mother's life.'

She continued: 'It has been an honour and a privilege to accompany her on her final journeys.

'Witness the love and respect shown by so many on these journeys has been humbling and uplifting.'

She added: 'We may have been reminded how much of her presence and contribution to our national identity we took for granted,' before paying tribute to her brother, the newly appointed King Charles III.

'I am also grateful for the support and understanding offered to my dear brother Charles as he accepts the added responsibilities of the Monarch,' she continued.

Princess Anne concluded: 'To my mother, The Queen, thank you.'

Prior to the statement shared by Buckingham Palace, Princess Anne was joined by Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence on the aircraft that flew in her mother's coffin to London.

It's being transported to the palace to rest in the Bow Room overnight.

The Princess Royal previously took part in a short private service of prayer and reflection for Her Majesty at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh.

It was attended by Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister; Alister Jack, the UK government’s Scotland secretary; and Alison Johnstone, the Scottish parliament’s presiding officer.

The service marked Scotland's six-day farewell to the longest reigning British monarch, who died peacefully at Balmoral in Royal Deeside on Thursday, in the company of her family.

Princess Anne is the second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

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