A call from Carlos Iero angered the Duke of Sussex, who, despite spending the night at Balmoral, did not see his father and brother until the following day after his grandmother’s death on Thursday, September 8, 2022. This was a day that marked a major turning point in the history of the British royal family.

The final moments of Queen Elizabeth II’s life not only left profound grief among her close ones and millions around the world but also highlighted the deep tensions between her grandchildren, William and Harry. Now, author Craig Brown has revealed new details about those days in his latest book, emphasizing the estrangement already felt between the brothers, which, according to some, intensified in the hours before and after the Queen’s death.

That morning, anxiety had already settled over Balmoral. Princess Anne, visibly worried, shared her fears with her older brother, then Prince Charles, about their mother’s health. Half an hour later, the Duke of Cornwall arrived at Birol, their residence at Balmoral, and spent an hour by the Queen’s bedside while the family doctor, Douglas Glass, informed them that the situation was serious but not yet critical—she had days left, not hours.

In London, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle were preparing to attend an awards ceremony. At noon, King Charles called Harry to inform him that the Queen’s health had deteriorated. The Duke of Sussex received the call, but instead of his father’s name, an unknown number appeared on the screen. When he answered, he heard his father’s grave voice delivering the sad news. Harry then sent a message to his brother William asking if he and Kate would be flying to Scotland, and if so, when they planned to do so.

However, Harry’s message received no reply. Meanwhile, rumors about the Queen’s condition started circulating on social media, with some even suggesting that she had already passed away. At 12:50 p.m., Buckingham Palace announced that Queen Elizabeth II’s children, including Andrew and Edward along with his wife Sofia, as well as her grandson William, were on their way to Balmoral. This announcement prompted Harry and Meghan to release their own statement, informing that they would fly to Scotland, which meant they would miss the charity event in London.

However, problems began at 2:15 p.m. when Prince Charles called his son again, this time asking him not to bring Meghan along. The Duke of Sussex found this request absurd and disrespectful. His father stammered an apology, explaining that he did not want too many people around, and that no royal wives would be present at Balmoral, including Kate, who stayed in London. “So that’s all you have to say?” Harry responded, visibly upset.

Meanwhile, Prince William, accompanied by his uncle Edward and his wife Sofia, and Prince Andrew, departed from Northolt airbase for Scotland. On the other hand, Harry managed to secure a private jet from Luton Airport, although he was significantly delayed compared to his relatives. By 3:00 p.m., the situation at Balmoral was critical. Princess Anne, worried, called her brother Charles, who was foraging for mushrooms at Birol, urging him to return immediately. However, when Dr. Glass arrived at the Queen’s bedside, it was too late—Elizabeth II had stopped breathing.

Edward J. Secretary, the assistant private secretary, was tasked with conveying the sad news to the older siblings. They arrived at Balmoral with several hours’ delay. At 5:06 p.m., William arrived at the residence in a Land Rover he drove himself, accompanied by his uncles. In contrast, Harry landed in Aberdeenshire at 6:40 p.m. and received a message from Meghan that made him fear the worst. Checking the BBC website, he realized it was too late—his grandmother had passed away. Finally, Harry arrived at Balmoral at 7:52 p.m., greeted by Princess Anne, who embraced him and informed him that the rest of the family was at Birkhall. After asking if he wanted to see the Queen, Anne took Harry to the bedroom where Queen Elizabeth II lay.

Harry stayed in the room in silence, observing his grandmother’s body and recalling his regret at not seeing his mother, Princess Diana, in her final moments. Although Harry spent the night at Balmoral, he could not see his father or brother before leaving early on September 9. These events highlight the growing distance between the siblings, which became even more apparent during one of the most difficult times of their lives.