The last entry in Queen Elizabeth II’s private diary has been made public, shedding light on the monarch’s final days. The Queen, who reigned for 70 years and passed away in 2022 at the age of 96, kept a personal journal throughout her life, documenting events and her daily activities. The final note, recorded just two days before her death, reflects her typically practical and factual style.
Royal biographer Robert Hardman uncovered the final diary entry while researching an updated edition of his book about King Charles. The entry, written at Balmoral, where the Queen passed away on September 8, 2022, noted a meeting with her private secretary, Edward Young. She detailed the arrangements for the swearing-in of new Privy Council members following the arrival of Prime Minister Liz Truss.
Hardman described the entry as “factual and practical,” with the Queen’s writing not reflecting personal thoughts but simply recording the events of the day. “It could have been describing another normal working day,” Hardman wrote, referring to how the Queen noted Young’s visit and the arrangements for the new administration.
The Queen’s approach to diary writing, which focused on events rather than personal reflections, was consistent throughout her reign. In comparison, her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, kept extensive diaries, reportedly writing over 60 million words during her nearly 70-year reign. Queen Elizabeth once remarked on her own style, saying, “I keep a diary, but not like Queen Victoria’s. It’s quite small,” explaining that her journal was focused on events due to her busy schedule.
The practice of keeping a journal ran in the royal family. Elizabeth’s father, King George V, also maintained a diary, and Queen Elizabeth took inspiration from him. Today, King Charles continues the royal tradition, keeping his own written record of daily life.
The publication of this final diary entry offers a glimpse into the Queen’s dedication to duty, right up until her last days.
