How To Send Condolences To The Royal Family After The Queen’s Death
Since the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, millions have mourned the death of England’s longest reigning monarch. “Their loss will be felt throughout the land, in the realms and in the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world,” as King Charles III said. wrote in part in a recently released statement. For the many who wish to pay their respects to the late Queen and send a message of condolences to her family, Buckingham Palace has made it possible.
On Sunday, September 11, the palace announced that the royal family’s website had added an online book of condolences. By visiting the website, members of the public can write a message and submit it along with their name, email address and location. While not every note will reach members of the royal family, “a selection of messages” will be shared, according to the information on the page. Some may even be preserved “for posterity” in the royal archives.
Of course, supporters didn’t need a condolence book to pay their respects to the Queen and show their support. Large crowds have gathered outside several royal residences since her death. Some of those waiting even managed to send their well wishes directly to the Queen’s family. At Balmoral Castle, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and their families greeted the crowd on September 10. On the same day, William and Catherine, Prince and Princess of Wales, made their own tour of Windsor Castle, accompanied by Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex in what has now become a rare joint appearance.
Speaking to members of the Windsor crowd, the Princess of Wales even comforted people who were crying. “The whole nation needs to be brave, doesn’t it,” Kate told an emotional supporter in Footage shared by ITV. “Don’t worry, I have a lot of moments like that too.” She also shared how her “sweet” son Prince Louis comforted her, telling her that the Queen and her late 74-year-old husband, Prince Philip, died in April 2021 died, are together now.
The royals have made it clear that they understand the shared grief. In his first address as King, Charles remarked: “I know that her death is a great sorrow to so many of you, and I share this sense of immeasurable loss with you all.” For his part, William wrote in a touching statement: “All the sadness we will feel in the coming weeks will be a testament to the love we felt for our extraordinary Queen.”
After the death of Queen Elizabeth, Operation London Bridge came into effect. The UK has entered a 10-day period of mourning and the palace is preparing for her funeral, which will take place on September 19. The Queen’s coffin has already begun its multi-day journey from Balmoral Castle to Westminster Abbey, which will continue the four-day lay in state, funeral and burial. During this time, mourners can pay their respects, be it until then join the crowds along the routeVisit the Queen’s coffin in Westminster Hall or deliver a message of condolence.