We're being prepared aren't we? Message about the Queen being under medical supervision

[SpringCalling]

It feels like we're being slowly prepared for her passing away. I feel unexpectedly tearful.

Go now just in case? But I doubt shops will shut whatever happens.

Surely they could fly closer?

CaveMum

Now 23000!

The broadcasters, military, etc rehearse for this all the time. Everything will have been planned down to the last detail with all possible scenarios (location of death, whether it is sudden, etc) catered for. For example, the Household Cavalry take the horses out and ride the funeral route in the middle of the night on a regular basis to make sure they are all prepared for it.

Rumour is the announcement will be at 6 pm.

Re who’s grandma’s favorite. I have to laugh at this because all of my grandchildren think they’re my favorite and I was blown right out of the water the day one of them said, we’ll nana told me I’m her favorite but its our secret - then one by one the 6 of them who could speak at that stage said but she said that to me as well.

we still laugh about it.

Well said.

I always assumed that they would have to announce her passing very soon after it happened. Do these poor news readers really have to sit there waffling on and on knowing she’s already died but unable to announce it? How awful. They’re doing a very good job if that’s the case.

But she looked okay only yesterday? surely she wouldn't be up and working is she was at death's door? when my great grandmother died she was 98 and still lived independently. One of her sons used to check on her every night, one night he went to see her, she sat down in her chair, gave a little sigh and was gone.

When you’re that age it really is possible just to die without needing to be ill.

No, Aberdeen is the closest airport. I guess they could get on a helicopter at the airport and fly on to Balmoral rather than drive, but it depends on the weather conditions.

@DingleyDel In the plan for her death it says there will be a few hours before the public announcement while everything else is put in place. So we will not hear immediately.

Just thinking how interminable that drive would feel

So, out of interest, was she up at Balmoral without family beforehand? I suppose she has companions?

34,000 now!

I'm sure she loves all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. No need to pit one against the other. It isn't nice when you lose your granny and it isn't kind or respectful for people to be speculating about who is the favourite.

So is everyone on this thread!

Apparently 7 members of the family are on board the plane from Northolt

Well Hugh just mentioned the flight and now the watchers have leapt up to 68,000

Several helicopters at Aberdeen Airport

87,000

Charles and Camilla were already there on holiday as was Anne.

She won’t have been alone.

101K

It is funny isn't it, it amazes me how often my GC bring it up. I'm sure yours, like mine, are all equal firsts in the race to be granny's favourite. I honestly couldn't pick one, I can pick the one who makes me laugh most and the one who worries me most but favourite? No they are all favourites.

108k

Family and friends come and go throughout the summer. Prince Charles stays at his Birkhall estate nearby (he went to the recent Highland Games on Queen's behalf). Princess Anne visits regularly between engagements. The Cambridges visited a couple of weeks ago.