sophie countess of wessex catholic sophie countess of wessex catholic

Herwhite-painted house in Windsor Great Park had been, for years, the Queens first port of call when she needed someone close enough to talk through private problems. Lying in state continues and a rehearsal is likely to take place for the state funeral procession. She had her own series of scandals before her marriage when she was accused of cashing in on her Royal connections, but she calmly put all that behind her and has been an exemplary daughter-in-law., One former aide described the Queens relationship with Sophie who lost her own mother, Mary, in 2005 as like mother and daughter, adding: There is a great deal of love and mutual respect between them.. The Earl of Wessex and Princess Royal then laid a wreath, before one was laid on behalf of the Duke of Kent. Wearing a black suit and a matching headpiece, Sophie looked sombre as she joined her fellow royals for the deeply solemn 1,200 yard procession, which took place in bright sunshine, with hundreds of well-wishers lining the city's oldest streets. Charles, the Prince of Wales and The Duke of Sussex, along with the Duke of York, the Princess Royal and the Earl of Wessex formed part of the procession. After school, she worked as a publicist before opening her own public relations agency, which . Angelawas born in 1952, barely eight weeks after the death of King George VI and Queen Elizabeths ascension to the throne, into a fiercely patriotic Roman Catholic family with strong seafaring roots and a tough work ethic. Sophie and Edward have two children: daughter Louise (2003) and son James (2007). Rhys-Joness father ran an import-export business that sold automobile tires to Hungary, and her mother was a part-time secretary. She also became close friends with the Queen Mothers own devoted personal dresser, Betty Leek, and witnessed the close working relationship between the two women. Emma Day. She had a great rapport with her. Kim Kardashian recalls 2007 Playboy shoot in jaw-dropping pearl dress as she joins angelic Gisele, Emily Ratajkowski and Penelope Cruz on the red carpet for fashion's biggest night to honor the late Karl Lagerfeld, Hunter Biden and his lawyers are ripped into by Arkansas judge for 'sealing and redacting' his financial information - as he faces baby mama in court over payments for four-year-old daughter, Can the Keto diet help treat mental illness? Speaking to The Telegraph in 2021, she revealed how she got to know the Queen as a child, saying: '[Buckingham Palace] They got hold of some girls to be part of the thing to make it more fun. The dresser's influence even extends to the younger Royals - with Prince George christened in a lengthy robe made by Miss Kelly, who learnt sewing from her mother and aunt. In recent years Lady Pamela has spoken more about the roles and relationships within the royal family via India's podcast, and shared her thoughts on the coronation in an ITV. Self: My Worst Week. She took Anne Glenconner to one side and thanked her for bringing Roddy Llewellyn into Margaret's life. The row allegedly resulted in Prince Harry raising his voice at the Queen when he called her and said: 'I don't know what the hell is going on. I think one knew she would, because there's such inner strength there.'. The Queen's ladies-in-waiting were also been part of HMS Bubble - the name given to the reduced selection of around 20 staff attending to the Queen at Windsor during the Covid-19 pandemic. While former PR guru Sophie. 'Witnessing the love and respect shown by so many on these journeys has been both humbling and uplifting. 'Since the Dukes death in April, Sophie has driven the 10 miles from her Bagshot Park home to Windsor Castle every few days and most weekends to spend socially-distanced time with Her Majesty.. Weight. Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex are driven in a car during the procession ( Image: Getty Images) For the latest updates as the world mourns the Queen and King Charles. Ms Kelly broke in Her Majesty's shoes by wearing them and she was nicknamed AK-47 a play on her initials and the firepower of the Soviet-era assault rifle. ', Naomi Campbell looks gorgeous in a pink draping gown with metal silver detailing as she poses on the star studded red carpet, Florence Pugh debuts SHAVED HEAD at her first Met Gala: Actress creates a buzz with dramatic new look as she flashes cleavage in revealing gown, No Met Gala for this mama! The Queen was often spotted 'nipping in for tea'. On the one hand, she was the most loyal of supporters. Tonight the great and the woke will honor Karl Lagerfeld at the Met show-off-athon, even though he was a major sexist, fatphobe and callous racist. Daughter of the Queens late sister, Lady Sarah is one of the most low-key Royals yet held a very special place in Her Majestys affections. The wreath, bearing the colours of the Prince of Wales, also bears a brand-new ribbon in Welsh red. She is the second child of Christopher Bournes Rhys-Jones, a retired salesman, and the late Mary Rhys-Jones, who was a. Prayers and a service reserved for close family members took place shortly after the coffin arrived last night, with the King, Camilla, William and Kate and Harry and Meghan all in attendance. By Jessica Green and Claire Toureille For Mailonline, Published: 10:00 EDT, 14 September 2022 | Updated: 06:09 EDT, 15 September 2022. The mother-of-two appeared deep in thought as the coffin of the late monarch left the Holyroodhouse Palace earlier this afternoon. More than one million people are expected to queue in central London for up to 35 hours to walk past her casket - but experts believe only 400,000 will make it inside meaning 600,000 people will be left disappointed. Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex have added an exciting highlight to their calendar! The Queen's final and saddest journey to Westminster Hall is underway today with King Charles, his three siblings and his sons Prince William and Prince Harry following her coffin as the Royal Family hands her coffin to the nation. They have two children. It is a powerful way to share our Christian identity with others, and helps to create a feeling of solidarity with other faithful. Sophie, Countess of Wessex (pictured left) and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, are driven behind the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II . As Prince Harry and Meghan have taken a step back, Sophie, Countess of Wessex has stepped up her royal role. There are so many different designs to choose from when to comes to wearing a symbol of the Christian faith. Sophie, Countess of Wessex is a member of the British royal family who is married to Prince Edward, the youngest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Sophie, duchess of Edinburgh, ne Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones, formerly (1999-2023) Sophie, countess of Wessex, (born January 20, 1965, Oxford, England), British consort (1999- ) of Prince Edward, the youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, duke of Edinburgh. She had joined the Queen on royal tours during her 44 years of service, including the highly successful tour of the Republic of Ireland in 2011 due to her Irish connections. formed a close bond with the royal family after losing her own mother, Mary Rhys-Jones, to stomach cancer in 2005 aged 71, when her daughter Lady Louise Windsor was only two. Princess Beatrice, her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank ar e also taking part. I offer my thanks to each and every one who share our sense of loss. The Queen had spent the majority of her time over the past few years at her home of Windsor Castle. Following Queen Elizabeth's death on Sept. 8, the late monarch's youngest child and daughter-in-law mourned the loss of their "beloved mama" in a statement. Published: 20:07 EDT, 18 September 2016 | Updated: 03: . We are no longer accepting comments on this article. On Wednesday, Royal Variety announced that the royal couple will attend the charity's flagship . She told her: 'I'd just like to say, it was rather difficult at moments but I thank you so much for introducing Princess Margaret to Roddy. Mourners cheered and clapped in the rain as the new state hearse travelled down Constitution Hill and around the Queen Victoria Memorial as it slowed, then drove through the gates of the palace and through the central arch into the quadrangle. He made her really happy.'. Last Updated: August 1, 2021. Heads of state, prime ministers and presidents, European royals and key figures from public life will be invited to gather in the abbey, which can hold a congregation of 2,000. Sophie previously explained to the Telegraph how these visits during lockdown involved the Queen standing on a 20ft high balcony and waving down. And Lady Butter was also in the 1st Buckingham Palace Company of Girl Guides with the Queen, when it launched in 1937. When that relationship ended, Rhys-Jones returned to London and began working for the public-relations company Maclaurin Communication and Media. Earlier, ataround 10:40am, the march past the Cenotaph paused temporarily while Scottish members of the UK's armed forces, the Fourth Battalion of Highlanders, played the bagpipes, accompanied by drums. 'But really, the only place where there was something going on was at Windsor Castle, because the Girls' Brigade was stationed there, and their parties were a highlight; if you were lucky enough to get asked to one, you had a really wonderful time. Sophie Duchess of Edinburgh. The brooch celebrates women's achievements throughout the services, representing those who have broken boundaries, launched legacies, and been the 'first' to achieve a rank or position within the Armed Forces. '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. This woman needs to make this work for my future wife.'. Members of the public Me are invited to observe a one-minute silence at 8pm on Sunday to remember the Queen. Zara and Mike Tindall. The two women are understood to have grown closer in recent years, with the Queen coming to rely on Princess Anne greatly before her death. Sophie was born Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones in January of 1965 in Oxford. Through Sophie, 56, wife of Prince Edward, 57, the public learned . And last year, she opened up about the Queen's grief for her husband Prince Philip, telling ITV his dedication to duty meant 'nobody could have done that job' as he had done. Considering the late Queens own deep faith, maybe the princess and countess will take inspiration and comfort from her to get through these trying times. Big Ben rang eleven times to mark the beginning of the two minutes of silence, and a sombre hush fell over the crowd. Members of the royal family including King Charles III, The Prince of Wales, the Duke of Sussex, Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex followed the Queen's coffin on foot during the move through London. She was by her side for some of her most defining moments. A royal source told The Telegraph: 'It is very sad for the Queen. In an indication of their close bond, the Princess Royal accompanied the Queen on some of her final public appearances throughout the pandemic (pictured left, visiting theEdinburgh Climate Change Institute in July 2021 and October 2021), And in her final official public appearance before her death, the two travelled to Maidenhead to visitThames Hospice (pictured). During the 20-minute vigil at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, Princess Anne, who wore her navy ceremonial uniform, kept her eyes fixed towards the floor. Many lining the street put down their umbrellas as a sign of respect while some could be seen wiping tears from their eyes, while phone camera lights lit up the crowds. Thomas worked as a crane driver in the docks and later as a factory hand and a train driver as he tried to make ends meet. In the various events shes attended, her cross has been visible for all to see. Dedicated to it, and very intelligent and youthful.'. Hundreds of thousands of people lined the route but there was a silent reverence as the coffin appeared. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group, The Met Gala's heavenly bodies! 'We will all share unique memories. She has moved in. Sophie grew up in Brenchley, Kent, and later attended West Kent College, training as a secretary. It's common knowledge by now that 1992 wasn't a banner . The two, who were first cousins Mrs Rhodess mother was the Queen Mothers elder sister virtually grew up together. Featuring a Swarovski Stone, the piece, which is from the Poppy Shop, costs 29.99. While their relationship was a professional one Angela addressed the Queen as Your Majesty or Maam, while the Queen called her Angela the two women loved to discuss their families when they meet at Angelas home at Windsor. By Margaret's funeral in 2002, the monarch's attitude toward her sister seemed to have softened. There was a wave of lights as many raised their mobile phones in the air to film the hearse as it passed. From her beloved sister, They included her senior lady-in-waiting, Lady Susan Hussey, who was married to the late, Meanwhile she was close with her daughter Princess Anne, with whom she shared a love of riding and horses, as well as being particularly close to, Do not sell or share my personal information. She learnt to sew at her mothers insistence, made clothes for her dolls, then progressed to pattern-cutting her own designs on material she could find in local flea markets.. Her husband Prince Edward was on foot. Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex. Queen Elizabeth 's daughter-in-law arrived at Ladies' Day at Royal Ascot . The royal, a daughter of Christopher and Mary Rhys-Jones, grew up in Kent and trained as a secretary. Prince William and Catherine Middleton: The Royal Wedding of 2011: Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sophie-countess-of-Wessex, English Monarchs - Sophie, Countess of Wessex, The Home of the Royal Family - The Countess of Wessex, Prince Edward, earl of Wessex, and Sophie, countess of Wessex. 'Everyone came up and everyone danced their heads off. The patron of some 70 charities and organizations, she was especially focused on aiding those with disabilities. Sophie formed a close bond with the royal family after losing her own mother, Mary Rhys-Jones, to stomach cancer in 2005 aged 71, when her daughter Lady Louise Windsor was only two. And speaking in June last year, royal expert Duncan Larcombe told The Sun: 'Sophie has emerged as the Queens unlikely "rock" as the monarch adjusts to life without Prince Philip. Miss Kelly was famously accused of being part of a row with Prince Harry over which tiara Meghan would wear when the couple wed. She said the love and respect shown to the Queen on her journey from Balmoral to Edinburgh and onto London had been 'both humbling and uplifting'. Sophie Wessex cut a dignified figure in an all-black ensemble as she attended the Remembrance Sunday service today, alongside other Royal Family members. There she became romantically involved with an Australian ski instructor and followed him to Australia. Lady Butter, who was a descendant of Tsar Nicholas I of Russia and the poet Pushkin, was among the friends oldest friends until her death earlier this year. The route from RAF Northolt to the palace was packed. The mother-of-two has perfected the art of dressing for the occasion since joining the royal family in 1999. Saturday, when she made her first public appearance after Elizabeth IIs death, 5 Beautiful crucifixes from small shops on Etsy, 4 Paintings of the Crucifixion that you probably havent seen. Diana Maxwell, Lady Farnham, who had been the Queen's Lady of Bedchamber since 1987 and rode with the Queen on the way to her Diamond Jubilee service in 2012, died four days after Christmasaged 90. The Prince and Princess of Wales have arrived at Sandringham to meet well-wishers and view floral tributes left in honour of Queen Elizabeth II. . The occasion is heavy with historical significance, with brothers Prince William and Prince Harry setting aside their ongoing feud to support their father by marching with him behind the coffin. The King and Queen Consort are expected to travel to Wales while lying in state continues. It seemed as if she had learned, through her own travails with her children and their marriages, to be more accepting and understanding. Rapper wears prosthetic nose and feline ears as she channels Karl Lagerfeld's cat Choupette at Met Gala, Jared Leto hits the Met Gala red carpet as Karl Lagerfeld's beloved cat Choupette who the late designer left money to in his will, Baring it ALL! The comments below have not been moderated, By All viewing areas on The Mall, Whitehall and Parliament Square were full by 1pm - with people turned away. Nichola Murphy Weddings Editor London. Updates? Lady Chatto has not been seen since the Queen's death, and it is not currently known if she will join the royal family in London this week. She has allowed me to become closer to her over the years. The princess was in Scotland when the Queen was taken ill, and stayed at her bedside at Balmoral Castle, as senior royals rushed to say their final farewells. Atop the coffin, there was a wreath of flowers which contained a selection of flowers including pine from the gardens of Balmoral and lavendar and rosemary from the gardens of Windsor, The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, adorned with a Royal Standard and the Imperial State Crown and pulled by a Gun Carriage of The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery. And speaking to Tatler in 2020, she said: '[For our] social life, we had a few concerts and the local 82nd Airborne Division was stationed near us, so we got to know them, and the local Air Force used to appear. She is expected to be among the attendees who will be at the Queen's funeral on Monday. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. The Earl and Countess of Wessex pay their respects inside the Palace of Westminster for the Lying in State of Queen Elizabeth II, Camilla, Queen Consort, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, pictured today, Sophie (pictured left) was very close to her mother-in-law and has been noted as the monarch's 'favourite' family member after she married Prince Edward, Sophie looked emotional as she lined up with the rest of the royal family during today's procession at Westminster Hall, King Charles III, Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Camilla, Queen Consort, Sir Timothy Laurence, Mr Peter Phillips, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Princess Beatrice and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent are seen inside the Palace of Westminster for the Lying in State of Queen Elizabeth II, The Queen is placed in Westminster Hall to lie in state for the nation to pay their respects, Her coffin was carried through Palace Yard and into the ancient heart of the Palace of Westminster, The King and his Queen Consort led the Royal Family into Westminster Hall, Sophie, Countess of Wessex (pictured left) and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, are driven behind the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II. The couple were the first to visit the grieving Monarch after his death, and as they left the castle Sophie was visibly upset. Recalling the coronation in 1953, Lady Pamela said: '[The Queen] looked so frail, just this one young woman. 'My task in life is to help the Queen,' she often said. Sophie is like another daughter to the Queen, they are that close, said a Royal source. Her Majesty's daughter-in-law Sophie, 56, was often been noted as the monarch's 'favourite' family member and closest confidante, after she married Prince Edward. Sweet peas which were among the Queens favourite flowers were also in the wreath laid on the Duke of Edinburghs coffin after his death in April last year. For her own wedding, she had Princess Anne as a bridesmaid alongside Princess Clarissa of Hesse, her goddaughter Victoria Marten and her niece's Jonna Knatchbull and Amanda Knatchbull. In 1996, with business partner Murray Harkin, she set up a public-relations company, R-J H. On her engagement to Prince Edward, Rhys-Jones made it clear that she intended to continue with her career after she was married. Sophie was seen entering St Giles, standing very close to her husband, who was wearing his military uniform and titles for the sombre occasion. She first laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in 1945 when she was still a princess. a Roman Catholic crane driver's daughter from Liverpool - spent . Spouse. Sophie, Countess of Wessex, the wife of Prince Edward, and once known as a "black sheep" of the family, became so close to Queen Elizabeth II that she was among the small group of family. 'Theres always a job waiting for you back in England, a clearly impressed Queen Mother told her when Mrs Kelly dropped a farewell curtsey upon her departure back to the UK. This was quite a remarkable turnaround by the Queen. The monarch later attended her wedding to the late Major David Butter in Westminster in 1946, with the couple going on to have five children with one another. She also shared her thoughts on the royal wedding, describing it as surprisingly chaotic. Aquarius. The Queen's children including the King and her grandchildren, including William, Harry and Peter Phillips make the mournful journey to Westminster Hall. Strong and opinionated, she has a waspish wit and is a staunch believer in The Firm, once saying: I dont think this younger generation understands what we were doing in the past. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. The couple adopted two daughters, Harriet, 57, and Sophia, 54, and had four grandchildren -Araminta, 28, Henry, 26, Elsa, 15 and Celia, 13. Meanwhile the Princess Royal also joined the Queen as she used a walking stick for support for the first time in public while attending a service of thanksgiving to mark the centenary of the Royal British Legion at Westminster Abbey in October 2021. The expert also went on to claim that the Queen is much more reliant on the Princess Royal after Prince Andrew's involvement in the Epstein affair. Sophie, Countess of Wessex, has given an emotional interview about the Duke of Edinburgh and described how the pandemic has "slewed" the grieving process. Paris Hilton grand Met Gala entrance is blocked by angry climate change protestors, Bill's in Vogue! While he has stood in for his late mother in the past, today marked the first time King Charles led the ceremony as Monarch. A round-the-clock vigil will be mounted around the catafalque by officers of the Household Division, the King's Body Guards of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, the King's Body Guard for Scotland, the Royal Company of Archers and the King's Body Guard the Yeomen of the Guard. Both women are religious and attend church services, but they dont talk openly about their faith, which would be in keeping with their ranking in the family. HELLO! There were some muted cheers and clapping and cries of God Save the Queen as well as many tears shed as the late monarch left her London home for the final time. Sophie was born in Oxford and went on to study at West Kent College. Clearly, you have never considered the damage you are causing us all. Date of Birth. 31 Oct 2022, 13:52 GMT. Janelle Mone leads the worst-dressed list at the 2023 Met Gala in BIZARRE nearly-naked frock - while Cara Delevingne opts for VERY low-cut gown. Before March 2023, Sophie was known as the Countess of Wessexthese style highlights use her title from the time they happened. Speaking in June last year, royal expert Duncan Larcombe told The Sun: 'Sophie has emerged as the Queens unlikely "rock" as the monarch adjusts to life without Prince Philip. To my mother, The Queen, thank you.'. After the wedding, Sophie began scaling back her PR work, especially after a reporter posing as a client recorded her in 2001 making unflattering comments about various politicians. 'Nowadays theyre much more looking for Oh, lets do it a new way and Im already at the stage of, Please do not reinvent that particular wheel. , Of her mother, Anne said simply: She is remarkable., Statement: Princess Anne released this statement (pictured). Not long after, in October 1992, Mrs Kelly met the Queen herself when she and the Duke of Edinburgh visited Berlin and the two began building a friendship. Once her own children weregrown up, Sarah frequently stayed with her aunt. Philip's coffin will move from the Royal Vault to the memorial chapel to join the Queen's. She said: 'There's nobody, in my mind, who could have done that job. Margot Robbie shows off her abs in a racy clear PVC and black silk chiffon corset Chanel gown at the 2023 Met Gala, Boots and booty! Catherine, the new Princess of Wales, is often in the news for her sartorial choices. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. She chose a career path in public relations, and while working in that capacity, she met her husband. Social media users were quick to share their heartfelt words of support for Sophie, who enjoyed a particularly close relationship with her mother-in-law the Queen. She climbed up that ladder as a Princess and then, in the morning, she came down the ladder as Queen, Lady Pamela famously recalled. There was a wave of lights as many raised their mobile phones in the air to film the hearse as it passed. As the Daily Mail reports, both Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex were spotted sporting crucifixes with their all-black outfits, suggesting the royal ladies are. 'She was always very generous to new people joining the household. Sophie, Countess of Wessex 's hat from Kate Middleton and Prince William 's royal wedding is back 10 years later! Sophie, Countess of Wessex is married to Prince Edward, the Queen and Prince Philip's youngest son. She is trusted and relied on like few others.. Zodiac Sign. They share a sense of loyalty, fun, duty and the ridiculous., In a sign of her close relationship to the Queen, Lady Sarah was often photographed travelling with the monarch to church in Balmoral. Money was tight and so was discipline, a source said in 2014. Sophie's appearance comes as the Royal Family mark a major milestone today - the first Remembrance Sunday service following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. takes a look at the life of the Countess of Wessex since marrying Prince Edward in 1999.Sophie Rhys-Jones became part of the royal family when she mar. She's always been close to her father, because she's very similar to him. Road block! Countess of Wessex's brother is working at a FUNERAL PARLOUR By Sebastian Shakespeare for the Daily Mail. She is married to Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, the youngest sibling of King Charles III . She caught the attention of audiences globally after sitting . One former aide described the Queens relationship with Sophie who lost her own mother, Mary, in 2005 as like mother and daughter (pictured together in February 2015 at a reception at Buckingham Palace), Royal sources over the years said that Sophie was among the Queen's most 'trusted' confidantes, with one saying she was 'relied on like few others', Royal expertDuncan Larcombe said the Countess became the Queen's unlikely 'rock' as the monarch adjusted to life without her husband Prince Philip (pictured, together in October 2019). Sophie has been The Countess of Wessex since 1999 ( Image: Getty Images) Most Read The title of Duke of Edinburgh was inherited by Prince Charles upon the death of Prince Philip as he is his. After the service, the coffin will be taken in procession from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch and then travel to Windsor. Unfortunately a sad consequence of living a long life is that you have to say goodbye to a lot of people you care about.'. Prince Edward, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, in navy and white, and the Queen Mother on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Trooping of the Colour on June 16, 2001 in London, England. It will remain open 24 hours a day until at 6.30am on Monday. .css-tadcwa:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}Cerith Gardiner - @media screen and (max-width: 767px){.css-1xovt06 .date-separator{display:none;}.css-1xovt06 .date-updated{display:block;width:100%;}}published on 09/16/22. On the wedding day, the queen bestowed on Edward the title earl of Wessex and Viscount Severn (the senior title represented a geographic reference that could be found only in history books, for Wessex had ceased to be a formal region of England many centuries earlier). Anne's full statement said: 'I was fortunate to share the last 24 hours of my dearest mother's life.