The Queen's final summer was one of her happiest entertaining loved ones at Balmoral, according to an insider.
Her Highland retreat was one of her favourite places and where she spent her holidays almost every year.
It is reported the monarch, who was 96 when she died yesterday afternoon, had been suffering from a chronic condition for some time.
Elizabeth arrived at the estate at the end of July, first staying in the seven bedroom Craigowan Lodge on Royal Deeside before moving to the castle itself a mile away on August 9.
The monarch was accompanied by a handful of loyal staff who vowed to stay with her - Page of the Backstairs, Paul Whybrew, nicknamed 'Tall Paul' due to his 6ft4in height, and Serjeant-at-Arms, Barry Mitford, among them.
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They brought their boss the Racing Post each day and sat to watch her favourite sport with her on TV.
Right-hand woman Angela Kelly - Personal Assistant, Adviser and Curator to HM, nicknamed 'AK47' - never left her side.
A source told the MailOnline over the summer: "She's been wrapping the Queen up in cotton wool.
"She's been very overprotective and ensuring that Her Majesty hasn't been doing too much."
Another source told the newspaper that the Queen spent her final weeks enjoying the relaxed country life she treasured most.
It was not so long ago she was spotted walking her corgis in the gardens, though slowly and cautiously.
Her sudden decline in health came as a shock to many.
Those with intimate knowledge of her day-to-day life, are understood to have referred to a drastic loss of weight and problems with her feet.
They say the death of Philip in April 2021, added to Prince Harry and Meghan's stepping down, as well as the turmoil surrounding Prince Andrew took a "deep emotional toll".
As she looked to recuperate in the comfort of Balmoral, a stream of family came to visit, including Prince William and Kate, as well as their three children.
She was also comforted by the regular presence of Prince Edward and wife Sophie, as well as late sister Princess Margaret's children, Lady Sarah Chatto and the Earl of Snowdon.
A source told the Mail: "It's been a very typical and jolly summer at Balmoral, lots of walks and picnics and BBQs.
"Obviously the Queen hasn't been present throughout but she has taken part and been seen."
Another said the monarch was in "genuinely good spirits".
