Queen Elizabeth’s Last Diary Entry: Revealing a 70-Year Tradition Before Her Passing

Queen Elizabeth’s Last Diary Entry: Queen Elizabeth II, known for her dedication and unwavering sense of duty, left behind a legacy marked by her final diary entry just two days before her death on September 8, 2022. At 96, she documented her last public engagement as part of a daily tradition she maintained over her 70-year reign. This entry, now revealed in Robert Hardman’s updated royal biography, Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story, provides a glimpse into the Queen’s last moments.

Final Entry: Simple and Practical

According to Hardman, Queen Elizabeth’s last diary entry read, “Edward came to see me,” referring to her private secretary, Sir Edward Young. This factual note underscores her consistent approach to record-keeping. At the time, Young was assisting the Queen in her final public engagement: the swearing-in of UK Prime Minister Liz Truss’ ministers on September 6, 2022. Two days later, the Queen “slipped away” in her sleep, marking the end of an era.

A Legacy of Documentation

The Queen’s diaries were not filled with personal reflections or emotional thoughts but served as a log of her daily activities. Hardman highlights that her diary was a form of historical record rather than a personal journal. A former royal household member told The Sun in 2019 that the Queen used a fountain pen with black ink and a leather-bound diary marked with her cypher, diligently documenting each day before sleep.

King Charles III’s Approach to Record-Keeping

Following his mother’s tradition, King Charles III keeps his journal but with a more reflective style. Instead of detailed entries, Charles prefers to jot down his recollections and thoughts at the end of each day. According to Hardman, the King’s notes are less comprehensive, focusing on personal insights rather than the thorough records his mother maintained.

Balmoral’s Special Place

Balmoral, where the Queen spent her final days, holds sentimental value for the Royal Family. King Charles described it as a cherished retreat, often visited and deeply loved by his mother. The Queen’s last summer at Balmoral, surrounded by the Scottish Highlands, symbolizes her lifelong connection to the place that provided her solace.

Queen Elizabeth II’s last diary entry represents her devotion to duty, serving as a reminder of her commitment to documentation and continuity. This simple note, now immortalized in royal history, reflects a Queen who, until her final days, remained steadfast in her role and left behind a historical archive for future generations.