I’m so fortunate to have been with my mother just before she died – I’m humbled by her service, says Princess Anne

PRINCESS Anne has said she feels “fortunate” to have been with her mother just before she died in a touching tribute.

The Princess Royal added that it has been “an honour and a privilege” to accompany the Queen on her final journey.

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Princess Anne has paid tribute to her late mother the Queen[/caption]

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Queen Elizabeth II with daughter Princess Anne at grandson Peter Phillips’ christening in December 1977[/caption]

AFP

Princess Anne, Princess Royal and husband Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence watch the Queen’s coffin be carried to a hearse to go to to Edinburgh airport[/caption]

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Princess Anne curtseyed to her mother’s coffin as it arrived in London this evening[/caption]

And she has been humbled by the love and respect shown towards Her Majesty, she wrote this evening.

Princess Anne and King Charles were the only two senior members of the family who made it to the Queen before she died.

She said tonight: “I was fortunate to share the last 24 hours of my dearest Mother’s life.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to accompany her on her final journeys. Witnessing the love and respect shown by so many on these journeys has been both humbling and uplifting.

“We will all share unique memories. I offer my thanks to each and every one who share our sense of loss.

“We may have been reminded how much of her presence and contribution to our national identity we took for granted.

“I am also so grateful for the support and understanding offered to my dear brother Charles as he accepts the added responsibilities of The Monarch. To my mother, The Queen, thank you.”

The Queen’s coffin landed in London on its way home to Buckingham Palace this evening with her daughter by her side.

The Princess Royal has accompanied Her Majesty since leaving Balmoral on Sunday.

She followed Her Majesty’s oak coffin on a six-and-a-half hour drive from Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh as she began her final journey.

Anne then poignantly curtseyed to her beloved mum before being comforted by Sophie Wessex in a touching moment.

And yesterday Princess Anne joined her siblings King Charles and Princes Edward and Andrew to stand guard of their mother’s coffin.

She stood with her head bowed, eyes fixed on the ground and her hands together for the ten-minute Vigil of the Princes.

The Princess was the first woman to take part in the ceremony, which dates back to 1936.

The King led his three siblings through St Giles Cathedral to the Queen’s coffin to join the Royal Company of Archers.

Mourners filed past to pay their respects to the late Queen as the four stood guard.

Anne will join her siblings for a final vigil at Westminster Hall later this week.

PA

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She stood guard of the Queen’s coffin in silent reflection with her siblings last night[/caption]