King Charles Had a Heart-Wrenching 3-Word Reply to Learning of Queen Elizabeth’s Death

Queen Elizabeth II certainly left her mark on the royal family. The queen took the throne back in 1952 and ruled for 70 years before her death in 2022. During that time, she became one of the most powerful women in the world, and people from generation to generation had the utmost respect for the monarch.

Despite living a fulfilling 96 years, it was still terribly sad for the queen’s family — and the world — when news of her passing spread. And King Charles, the queen’s oldest son who effectively took the throne immediately following her death, had a heartbreaking three-word response to the news that she had died.

King Charles’ three-word response to the queen’s death

Charles was the queen’s first-born, meaning that he grew up knowing that he would one day take the throne. Charles and his wife, Camilla Parker Bowles, had been preparing for the role for years, and in the days leading up to the queen’s death, the family was well-aware that her health was declining. Charles had made his way to Balmoral, but after spending a bit of time at the queen’s side, he decided to step away for some air. It was at that time that the queen took her last breath.

According to Express, royal author Robert Hardman wrote in his new book (Charles III: New King, New Court, The Inside Story) that Charles’ private secretary contacted him to tell him that the queen had died at 3:25 p.m. as Charles was on his way back to her bedside. Charles had only three words in response: “We’re nearly there,” he said, according to Hardman, referring to the fact that he was almost back to the castle but was, unfortunately, too late.

King Charles’ title immediately changed after the queen’s death

For his lifetime, Charles had been referred to as “Prince Charles,” but immediately following the queen’s death, he became the king and effectively was referred to as “Your Majesty.” In fact, Charles was immediately referred to as such in the minutes after the queen’s death.

These days, Charles has taken his role of king quite seriously. He did take some time off earlier this year after being diagnosed with cancer; he returned to official royal duties in spring 2024. Charles has been working with a much slimmer monarchy, which begs the question of how Prince William will someday handle the takeover since Charles has not granted any other royals the ability to become working members of the family. At this point, Charles’ health appears to have improved, though William, who is next in line for the throne, must always be working toward taking over the monarchy.