- Documentary about Charles' first year as monarch, shown on BBC One
Queen Elizabeth feared it would be difficult to organize her funeral if she died at Balmoral, Princess Anne has revealed.
But her family convinced her to do what felt right, according to a documentary about King Charles' first year as monarch, which will be shown on BBC One on Boxing Day.
Featuring unreleased behind-the-scenes footage and exclusive interviews with key officials, family and senior royals, it captures the breakneck pace of the last 12 months.
In a moving section, Anne talks about her mother's death and how she felt as she watched the Imperial State Crown being removed from the Queen's coffin for the final time at St George's Chapel, Windsor. “I strangely felt a sense of relief – that's it, done,” she said. “This responsibility is passed on.”
The royal princess, who was extraordinarily close to the late queen throughout her life, also said: “I think there was a moment when she felt that if she died at Balmoral it would be more difficult.”
Queen Elizabeth feared it would be difficult to organize her funeral if she died at Balmoral, Princess Anne has revealed
Princess Anne speaks about her mother's death and how she felt as she watched the Imperial State Crown being removed from the Queen's coffin for the final time at St George's Chapel in Windsor
“I think we tried to convince them that that shouldn’t be part of the decision-making process.”
Many thought it fitting that the Queen died at Balmoral because she loved the Scottish Highlands so much.
Shortly before her death in September last year she received a visit from Dr Balmoral.
The royal princess revealed that it was “pure coincidence” that she was at the monarch's side when she died. She explained that she had just stopped off at Balmoral Castle on the way back south after spending a few days on the west coast of Scotland.
Anne also gives her sister-in-law Camilla the royal seal of approval, saying the support she has given her husband the king has been “outstanding.”
Many felt it was fitting that the Queen died at Balmoral (pictured) because she had such a deep love for the Scottish Highlands
The Royal Banner of Scotland over Balmoral Castle
Members of the Royal Family, King Charles, the Princess Royal, the Duke of York, the Earl of Wessex, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Sussex and Peter Phillips
The Princess Royal said: “I’ve known her for quite a while. “Her understanding of the role and the huge difference she makes to the King was absolutely outstanding,” she says.
“She wouldn't be a natural for this role, but she does it really well. She provides the change of pace and tone, which is equally important.”
Anne told the documentary that it was difficult for her brother to fully prepare for the moment of his ascension to the throne, despite having spent a lifetime waiting in the wings. The documentary was written and co-produced for Oxford Films by the Mail's royal expert Robert Hardman.
■ Charles III: The Coronation Year is on BBC One on Tuesday December 26 at 6.50pm.