In a surprising move, Prince William took the initiative to organize a royal walkabout with his brother Prince Harry and sister-in-law Meghan outside Windsor Castle shortly after the passing of Queen Elizabeth. Despite reports of a strained relationship between the "Fab Four," the princes and their wives greeted members of the public in a display of unity during a challenging time.

According to royal biographer Robert Hardman's new book, "Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story," the walkabout on September 10, 2022, at Cambridge Gate on the castle's Long Walk was a remarkable scene. Hardman reveals that the idea for the engagement was primarily Prince William's, who felt it was the right thing to do in honor of his grandmother, despite the inherent awkwardness.

The walkabout lasted approximately 40 minutes, during which the two couples interacted with well-wishers and mourners who had gathered outside Windsor to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth. A member of the Waleses' team, as relayed by Hardman, admitted that neither couple found the experience easy.

This public appearance by the Royal Family duo occurred prior to the release of Harry and Meghan's highly-discussed Netflix docuseries and the publication of Prince Harry's tell-all memoir. These subsequent events further strained their relationship with the rest of the royal family.

In other revelations from Hardman's book, the author discloses the moment when Prince Charles, then the Prince of Wales, learned about his mother's passing. Charles had been out in nature, picking mushrooms and seeking solace, when his most senior aide informed him of Queen Elizabeth's death. Pulling over during his drive back to Balmoral castle, Charles was formally addressed as "Your Majesty" for the first time.

According to a memorandum written by Queen Elizabeth's private secretary, Sir Edward Young, her final moments were described as "very peaceful." The document further revealed that she passed away in her sleep, slipping away peacefully due to her old age, and wouldn't have been aware of anything or experienced any pain.

The details provided in Hardman's book offer insights into the dynamics within the Royal Family during a significant period of transition and mourning. The walkabout orchestrated by Prince William serves as a testament to his commitment to honoring his grandmother's memory, despite any personal discomfort experienced by the members of the "Fab Four."