How Queen’s final 18 months were blighted by sad death of her beloved Prince Philip, Megxit and Prince Andrew scandal
THE Queen's final 18 months was plagued by a string of royal scandals - including Megxit and Prince Andrew's sex claims.
Her Majesty, 96, was forced to endure countless controversies that threatened to dampen her joy at reaching 70 years on the throne.
But like a true Queen, she maintained a dignified silence as the royal family threatened to crumble around her.
The torrid timeline began after her grandson Prince Harry dramatically left the royals in the UK for a new life with wife Meghan Markle in the US.
While the stoic Queen soldiered on with her duty, the couple were waiting in the wings to drop a series of bombshells that would rock The Firm.
In an explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan and Harry hinted the royal family had been racist towards their son Archie.
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The couple declined to reveal the identity of the alleged royal racist as it would be too "damaging" for them - though Oprah later said it was not the Queen or the Duke of Edinburgh.
Her Majesty was forced to break protocol and issue a statement - revealing she was "saddened" by the claims.
She also confirmed the royal family took the allegations "very seriously" and said Harry, Meghan and Archie "will always be much loved family members".
As the Megxit saga rumbled on with more royal bombshells, the Queen was dealt another blow when her "favourite" son Prince Andrew was embroiled in a sex claim scandal.
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The Duke of York paid a multi-million pound settlement to Virginia Giuffre, 38, in February over the allegations.
He was stripped of all his patronages and military titles by the Queen and has barely been seen in public since.
In April, he did appear alongside his mother at Prince Philip's remembrance service, travelling in her car and walking her down the aisle of Westminster Abbey.
But he was forced to skip her Platinum Jubilee celebrations after coming down with Covid.
Although the four-day weekend to mark the Queen's 70 years on the throne brought joy to the UK, there was one royal family member noticeably missing.
In her final months, Her Majesty had to ride the storm alone after the death of her beloved Prince Philip aged 99.
The Duke of Edinburgh had been a constant by the Queen's side during her time on the throne.
Their 73-year marriage became the longest of any British sovereign - with Philip regularly by his wife's side as her "strength and stay".
He was laid to rest in April 2021 in Windsor Castle as the Queen was seen sitting alone in silent mourning for her husband.
As she grieved, her health worsened - meaning the monarch was urged to slow down.
It came following a night spent in hospital in October 2021 to undergo “preliminary investigations”.
She was later seen using a walking stick at a Westminster Abbey service - the first time she had done so at a major engagement.
A battle with Covid in February this year that left the Queen feeling "very tired and exhausted" added to her health woes.
In May, Her Majesty made the tough decision not to attend the State Opening of Parliament for the first time in 59 years.
The Palace attributed her absence to "episodic mobility problems" - with Prince Charles stepping up as he began to lighten his mother's workload.
Her health issues meant she also had to skip the Cop26 climate change summit and the Festival of Remembrance.
Her Majesty had been intent on attending the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph but was devastated to miss the event due to a sprained back
The Queen was even forced to pull out of the Platinum Jubilee Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral after experiencing "discomfort" during the previous day's celebrations.
Buckingham Palace indicated earlier this year the public should no longer assume they will see her at an event.
Instead, her attendance was only confirmed on the day in question.
This led to delight when the Queen randomly appeared at events over the summer looking healthy and happy.
In May, she received a standing ovation at the Royal Windsor Horse Show when her horse Balmoral Leia was named winner of the Highland Class 64 event.
Just days later, she made a surprise appearance on the London Underground to open the new Elizabeth line at Paddington Station.
Her Majesty even topped up her Oyster card in front of bewildered commuters.
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She also stunned fans days later when she was guest of honour at the equestrian extravaganza A Gallop Through History near Windsor.
After comic Omid Djalili made a joke about the Queen favouring the event over Parliament opening, she lifted her hand up and gave a light shrug to show her enjoyment.
On September 6, the monarch met new Prime Minister Liz Truss at home in Balmoral in a break from tradition.
Her Majesty usually appoints the new PM at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle but her mobility issues forced her to spend more time at the Scottish estate.
With a huge smile on her face it appeared the Queen was in good spirits as she shook Ms Truss' hand.
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It then came as a shock when just days later, the devastating news was revealed that her family were flying in to be at her side in her final moments.
Despite suffering through 18 months of royal rifts, bombshell claims and health fears, the Queen was able to bring them all together one last time before she passed away.
