- The Queen's final diary entry revealed
- She wrote an entry shortly before her death
- Biographer shares new details
Just two days before her death on September 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II recorded her final diary entry. These personal details have been revealed in the newly updated edition of Robert Hardman's book, 'Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story', published on November 7. Known for her dedication to documenting daily events, the Queen faithfully maintained this habit throughout her 70-year reign.
Queen Elizabeth's final diary entry
On September 6, 2022, the Queen welcomed Liz Truss, the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party, at Balmoral Castle. Truss was set to be appointed Prime Minister, marking what would become the Queen’s final public appearance.
Despite her increasing frailty from illness, Queen Elizabeth II upheld her lifelong habit of recording the day’s events. 'Tatler' magazine noted, "It is unsurprising that the monarch was diligent in her documentation, even as illness made her increasingly frail." Her final diary entry was brief yet characteristic: "Edward came to see me." This referred to Sir Edward Young, her private secretary, who assisted with preparations for the swearing-in of new ministers. As Robert Hardman wrote, "It transpires that she was still writing it at Balmoral two days before her death. Her last entry was as factual and practical as ever."
Queen Elizabeth’s diary was intended not for personal reflection but as a record of daily events—a way to preserve moments of her reign for historical reference. She once explained to journalist Kenneth Rose, "I have no time to record conversations, only events."
King Charles: Following in his mother’s tradition
A former member of the royal household shared in 2019 that the Queen recorded her entries with a fountain pen and black ink. Each leather-bound diary was inscribed with her royal cipher and numbered in Roman numerals, symbolizing its archival importance. Writing in her diary was the final ritual of her day, "no matter how late the hour or how weary she may be," the former aide noted. "It is an unmissable duty, and she writes at a desk, never in bed." King Charles continues this tradition, maintaining his own diary as a record of his daily experiences.
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Her son and heir, King Charles, also keeps a diary, though in a more straightforward style than before. A senior court official shared with Hardman that Charles takes time each evening to record his memories and reflections, capturing his experiences and thoughts at the close of each day.
