Queen worked until the end as she kept her red box by her side in final hours

12 January 2024 , 20:59

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The final works of Queen Elizabeth II were found in a box near to her deathbed (Image: PA)

The late Queen of England was working right up until her passing as the contents of her red box have been described in an upcoming biography.

Her final moments were recorded by those closest to her, including private secretary Sir Edward Young, who noted the final moments of Queen Elizabeth II in a recently published memo. Those in the know on the Queen's final moments noted a red box near her, filled with paperwork and other items of merit.

The late Queen, who died on September 8, 2022, at Balmoral, is believed to have been working in her final days despite a decline in health. Both King Charles and Sir Edward were left effects found in the box after her death.

Inside the red box left on the Queen's bedside table were a series of papers including two sealed letters. The contents of those two letters, written out to King Charles and Sir Edward, are likely to never be published. But details of other items in the box were revealed by biographer Robert Hardman, whose upcoming profile of King Charles noted a few discoveries.

King Charles is one of two people to have been left a private letter from the Queen (Getty Images)

"Even on her deathbed, there had been work to do. And she had done it," he wrote. It is believed her final pieces of paperwork were in the box, meaning members of the public can have a glimpse at Her Majesty's last orders, the Daily Mail reported. It is believed the candidate for the prestigious Order of Merit for "exceptionally meritorious service" across the Commonwealth was her final act.

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The paperwork for the last royal order, as well as private letters to her devoted secretary and soon-to-be-King Charles, were found in the box. Sir Edward had written a memo confirming the death, which has since been revealed.

His words on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, as documented in the memo now housed in the Royal Archives, read: "Very peaceful. In her sleep. Slipped away. Old age. She wouldn't have been aware of anything. No pain."

Ewan Gleadow