In a poignant and peaceful farewell, Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, passed away at the age of 96 at her cherished Balmoral Castle in Scotland. The news of her passing was disclosed in a note penned by her devoted private secretary, Sir Edward Young, which has recently come to light.

According to Young's account, the Queen's final moments were serene, as she peacefully slipped away in her sleep. Remarkably, due to her age, she was unaware of her passing and experienced no pain. The note, which was stored in the Royal Archives until now, offers a glimpse into the Queen's final hours.

Queen Elizabeth II had openly expressed her desire to die at Balmoral, as shared by royal expert Katie Nicholl. The Scottish estate held immense significance for Her Majesty, providing a sense of tranquility and solace. In her final years, Balmoral became a sanctuary where the late Queen found the most profound peace, as attested by her cousin Lady Elizabeth Shakerley.

The cause of Queen Elizabeth II's passing, as confirmed by The National Records of Scotland, was simply attributed to "old age," a testament to a life well-lived, dedicated to her country and the Commonwealth.

In Robert Hardman's upcoming book, "'Charles III: New King, New Court. The Inside Story," he delves into the intimate details surrounding the Queen's final hours. It is revealed that her eldest son, Charles, spent an hour by her side accompanied by his wife, Camilla. Afterward, Charles retreated to forage mushrooms and clear his head before receiving the heart-wrenching news during his return to Balmoral Castle.

Princess Anne, the Queen's trusted confidante Angela Kelly, and Reverend Kenneth MacKenzie, who read from the Bible, were also present at her bedside, offering comfort in the final moments. Following her passing, a footman discovered a locked red box containing two sealed letters—one addressed to Charles, the heir to the throne, and the other to Sir Edward Young.

The red box also held the Queen's final royal order, her selection of recipients for the distinguished Order of Merit, recognizing exceptional service across the Commonwealth. It is a testament to her tireless work ethic that even on her deathbed, Her Majesty ensured that important matters were attended to.

Queen Elizabeth II's passing marks the end of an era and leaves a profound void in the hearts of many around the world. Her legacy as a steadfast, dedicated monarch and her unwavering commitment to her duties will be remembered for generations to come. The Queen's peaceful departure at Balmoral Castle resonates with her deep connection to Scotland and her lifelong pursuit of serenity amidst the demands of her role.