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First Move with Julia Chatterley
Prince William is Traveling to Balmoral to see the Queen; Prince Charles and Camellia are with the Queen at Balmoral Castle, Scotland; Elizabeth, 96, is said to be "Comfortable" at Balmoral Castle, Scotland; Spokesperson for Prince Harry tells CNN he is Traveling to Scotland; Buckingham Palace: Doctors Concerned for Queen's Health. Aired 9:30-10a ET
Aired September 08, 2022 - 09:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[09:30:00]
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JULIA CHATTERLEY, CNN HOST, FIRST MOVE: I'm Julia Chatterley and you're watching CNN's continuing coverage of "Breaking News" from Buckingham
Palace. The Palace releasing a statement saying the Queen's doctors are concerned for her health and a recommending medical supervision.
The 96-year-old monarch is set to be comfortable at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. CNN has learned that Prince Charles and his wife, the Duchess of
Cornwall, are now with her. Prince William is on his way and significantly, a spokesperson for his brother Prince Harry told CNN, he's also traveling
to Scotland.
On Monday, the Queen was pictured at Balmoral meeting with the new U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss. As you can see, she seemed well in that image
though, supported by a walking stick. We're still awaiting a statement providing further information from Balmoral Castle itself.
Now the U.K. Prime Minister tweeting earlier "My thoughts and the thoughts of people across the United Kingdom are with Her Majesty the Queen and her
family at this time". The Queen of course marked his 70th year on the throne this year, with the country uniting to mark her dedication to duty
and country.
Of course, her husband Prince Philip passed away in April of last year. The Royal Correspondent Max Foster is in London for us. Anna Stewart is at
Buckingham Palace. Max, I'm going to come to you first, I think the nation the entire nation, holding its breath at this moment waiting for more
information.
MAX FOSTER, CNN ROYAL CORRESPONDENT: I just had one piece of information that Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall have arrived at Balmoral.
The first of the children to arrive Princess Anne was already at Balmoral, but all four children are on their way. So we're still waiting for Edward
and Andrew to arrive.
We're also waiting for Prince William and Prince Harry to arrive. And as you say, Prince Harry arriving with Meghan in the heart of the family up in
Scotland, canceling all of our arrangements that they had today is significant because they do not partake in family events because of the
famous history we've spoken about many times, Julia.
But they're putting all of that behind them, to cancel their events and to be in Scotland with the rest of the family. Just showing how grave this
situation really is. It already started with that initial statement saying that royal doctors are concerned about the Queen's health, which is very
stark language from them when they normally don't talk about the Queen's health at all. And if they do, it's very anodyne information we receive.
So I think this is a grave situation. We've also had the Archbishop of Canterbury, tweeting that he is praying for the Queen. And he is very close
to the Queen in his role as the Head of the Church which she is Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
So we have these images of the gates of Balmoral. This is really where all eyes are right now. We don't know what state the Queen is in. We're told
she's comfortable. But they are concerned about her health, but they're not moving her to a hospital. So read into that what you will, Julia, we are
waiting updates. And we've been sort of stood by to wait updates, but they're not going to give us a running commentary.
CHATTERLEY: Max, I think I too want to ask you about that. Because I think for many of our viewers, they will be wondering what the protocol is in
this kind of situation. The Queen's health is a private matter at what point then does it become a public matter? Did the family get called? I
think for many people, they're trying to understand exactly what you said, why is there not a hospital involved here if she is gravely ill?
FOSTER: The protocol is simply that if there's something serious that happens, the family at all first and then the Prime Minister will be
informed. And we know that the Prime Minister Liz Truss has also tweeted, reflecting the concerns of the nation really. So for them to be so public
about their movements is significant.
In terms of the follow up protocols, it really does just depend on how serious the situation is. There are different levels of you know, a health
scare here on one level, the Queen may feel unable to carry out immediate duties and she would issue letters patent legal directives effectively
giving Prince William, Prince Charles authority to act on her behalf.
If it's more serious than that and she's become incapacitated, then there is a committee that will get together and they will decide the level of
concern and could potentially start a regency which is handing over the Queen's full authority almost full authority to Prince Charles her heir and
then of course, there's the biggest concern that. I don't want to talk about at this point because there's no suggestion that's there, but that
there's a big you know, very well-rehearsed plan.
[09:35:00]
FOSTER: And I think that you know one of the concerns is that parts of that appear to be being instigated right now. But that might be for safety
reasons as you would plan for any major event. I can't say that is necessarily a big indicator of the ultimate happening. But you know there
are certainly people talking about it.
CHATTERLEY: Of course, and we're showing live pictures there of the gates of Balmoral Castle, where, of course, the Queen has been residing is
residing where the family are now collecting together. And this is to your earlier point, a moment of unity, whatever is taking place behind there,
it's a moment of unity, not just for the country, but for the family too.
Anna I want to come across to you now in Buckingham Palace that, of course, provided the statement earlier today. And something that both you and Max
have taken great pains to point out in these situations is that the media does go into a wild process of speculating of discussing of constant
coverage, and ordinarily with there would be a message provided to say, just tone it down a little bit. I'm one of the great concerns at this
moment is that message has not been provided.
ANNA STEWART, CNN REPORTER: Exactly, and it's extraordinary given just how short that statement was from Buckingham Palace saying maybe we can bring
it up. That the Queen's doctors are concerned for her Majesty's health and have recommended remaining under medical supervision. And the added comment
the Queen remains comfortable in at Balmoral, but that was only a couple of hours ago.
And I can tell you that right here, we are seeing so many camera positions at rush at being set up in the palace are not telling us not steering us
away really from being concerned about Queen's health. And that is what is different I think, from the many, many times that we have heard speculation
or rumor about the Queen's health.
And the palace, have for a long time now told us they will not give us a running commentary on the Queen's health. You'll remember October last year
when the Queen underwent a night in hospital for some undisclosed tests. You weren't told about it. So she returned to Windsor Castle. And ever
since then, really we've been told that she has episodic mobility issues.
But that's about it. So there have been moments having there where we've seen her majesty Walk out with a walking stick, for instance, and the
powers have told us that is just for her to remain comfortable. There have been occasions when she's had to cancel events.
During the Jubilee coverage, we were told that we would find out on a day by day basis whether the Queen felt comfortable enough to cover it. But
that's all we've ever really had in terms of his specific health conditions. Clearly today there is huge concern following that short
statement to hear that all the family members have been told, and that her children and Prince William and Prince Harry and his wife are all traveling
to Balmoral.
I think that just goes to show how concerned they are and that they are willing and happy for the British public and for the world to know, Julia.
CHATTERLEY: See people arrive there. Just people that support and want to show respect, I think at this moment and their level of concern.
STEWART: Completely and you know, what's the most extraordinary thing I found covering royal events and being in the presence for Majesty for
various public occasions is just how many people love and respect the Queen. And was extraordinary, I think is it really surpasses royal fans.
It's not just royal fans that have a huge respect for the Queen.
It is such a vast population of people both here in the U.K., but all around the world for the Jubilee. You had people traveling from far and
wide just to pay their respects to see her to see her at Trooping the color. Even if of course there was a potential that she wouldn't make all
of the events. But that's what always struck me about her majesty.
And also, she wants to be seen to be believed she has played such an active role right up into her 90s. The fact that even though she wasn't well
enough to travel here to Buckingham Palace to welcome her 15th Prime Minister. Of course, it still happened at Balmoral and she's still smiling
radiantly and ready to welcome the next Prime Minister.
And it says so much about her Majesty who, for her coronation speech, of course, you may remember her saying that she would fulfill her duty to the
U.K. and the Commonwealth, whether her life be long or short, and she's done just that huge dedication from a 96 year old, Julia.
CHATTERLEY: Yes, such an important point. 70 years on the throne, of course, celebrated this year and for most British people, not to mention
others around the world in the Commonwealth and beyond. There's very few left now that what it's like without her being the Queen, of course. So I
think that is a poignant statement to make.
Max to Anna's point though, just in terms of chronicling chronological order of what we've seen from the Queen, not just in recent weeks, but in
recent days, too. I did show that picture earlier of the Queen meeting. The new U.K. Prime Minister, of course, Liz Truss, and it's difficult to gauge
what we're seeing in an image perhaps a slightly frailer looking Queen supported by a stick but of course, that smile that we all know so well.
FOSTER: Well, you know, we were all concerned we saw that and a lot of people pointed out that her purple hand there but she is 96 years old. And
she was standing up and she was smiling. And there's been no concern whatsoever in recent years ever really about her mental health.
[09:40:00]
FOSTER: She always looks so well mentally and she's very physical for a 96- year old, so we weren't overly concerned. But I have to say on that day, lots of people were sharing the parallel picture of appointing Boris
Johnson just three years ago.
And she there was a massive, stark difference. But, you know, we were warned away from saying too much about the state of our healthcare. So,
earlier today, there was a rumor that she had taken a fall at Balmoral, Julia and the palace went, you know, what one of my sources said she hadn't
taken a fall. And they didn't have to say anything.
But they made the point of saying she hasn't taken a fall. But there's clearly some sort of incident that's happened, because that sort of news
leaked, but they wanted to be specific about it not being a full. So something's happened in Balmoral over the last couple of days, I think. And
there's, and they are, they've gone quiet.
So this is what we'd expect if it was a very serious situation. So I think that you know, all eyes on the gate, which comes who goes and what sort of
announcements we get later on, I think we wouldn't get a major announcement until all the family were there. The family of the priority, it is a
national institution; she has had a state, but the immediate family will always be the priority with the dissemination of any sort of information.
And then the Queen's First Minister, the Prime Minister, would need to give the go ahead and approval 20 announcements. And certainly Prince Charles
would have to be deeply involved as well with any approval process as well, because any duties that she's unable to carry out he would have to pick up.
CHATTERLEY: And Max as very quickly as well. And I know you've said it before, but the information flow from Balmoral Castle, very different from
what we would ordinarily get from Buckingham Palace, for example, just geographically far more private. And I think that makes a difference at
this moment too.
FOSTER: Well, it does because in London, be under more pressure to release information which we'll see the comings and goings and there'll be
potentially some leaking as well. If they're bringing contractors up there is absolutely locked down. It's a massive conscious state and they don't
have to declare any information they don't want to.
So the fact that they've chosen to is interesting they can also ban us from what is private land and you can see there a camera right by the gates they
would be able to prevent that from happening. They're allowing all of these images to go out, they're allowing us to continue our coverage, Julia. I
know that they're watching so they are allowing this story to escalate which is probably the most worrying part of this I'd say.
CHATTERLEY: Among many Max, thank you so much for that. Max Foster there and Anna Stewart of course too. After the break more on Queen Elizabeth
we're going to be joined by the wall historian about her life and dedication to duty and I leave you with live pictures both outside
Buckingham Palace. And of course, where we read more news on the Queen's health they're far more passing. We're back after this stay with CNN.
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[09:45:00]
CHATTERLEY: Welcome back to our "Breaking News" coverage from Buckingham Palace. The palace releasing a statement saying the Queen's doctors are
concerned for her health and recommending she remain under medical supervision at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. CNN has learned all of her
children are on their way to be at her side.
And joining us now is Sarah Gristwood. She's historian and author of "Elizabeth Queen and the crown". Sarah, good to have you with us! Sadly,
under sad circumstances, I think you understand better than most the importance of this monarch in the context of a long British monarchy, your
sense at this moment, and you're feeling?
SARAH GRISTWOOD, HISTORIAN & AUTHOR, "ELIZABETH: THE QUEEN AND CROWN": Well, of course, first, we have to say that we don't know for certain yet
that this is a turning point. But the signs as all your other correspondents have said you know are, are that it is serious. Buckingham
Palace don't usually speak, they don't usually use the word concerned, and all her family flying.
If the inevitable does happen, now, rather than some way down the line, it will be the most enormous turning point. I mean, you no need to be what, in
your 70s or over to even begin to remember another moment. And this Queen has seen the country and beyond it, the Commonwealth, and even people in
the wider world through so many changes, perhaps more than her than any of her predecessors have done.
CHATTERLEY: And she is I think a great source of continuity through a country and to your bigger point about the Commonwealth and beyond that has
been through great change. He's presided over 15 Prime Ministers, of course, the latest this week. How do you imagine she will be perceived and
is perceived in the country at this moment? And what response do you expect from the British people?
GRISTWOOD: Well, of course, for anyone in this situation, there might be an outpouring of affection. But I think for the Queen more than for anybody,
as you've just said, she's become a will a symbol of continuity, which is more important than ever, at the moment with the changes the world has gone
through in just the last few years.
Her own family, of course, have seen changes and often for the worse. But that's almost only increase the respect, admiration, affection for the
Queen herself. At some point, we're going to find out whether that respect, affection is translated to her successor and to what degree it is and her
to what degree her legacy continues that way. But certainly at the moment, quite a lot of people are going to be feeling quite personally scared of
what may be coming in the next few hours.
CHATTERLEY: I think that's a great way to describe it. To be honest, I'm scared and concerned and obviously we wish only positive thoughts as well
at this moment to in terms of poignant moments. Sarah for you, I think for me in the most recent history was her alone.
At the funeral of what's been an often is described as her soul mate Prince Philip, but also moments of great joy and Max was talking to us about them
earlier, the skydive where it went viral asking whether or not it was actually the Korean skydiving for the Olympics, of course and tea with
Paddington Bear earlier this year. I mean, she is a great fun stirrer and a woman of great strength, I think too, and humor, which is important in
these moments have of serious concern too.
GRISTWOOD: I think that Paddington one so recently, that sketch with Paddington Bear for her Jubilee is a great one to remember because I think
that showed the Queen at her best. It reminded us even that as a girl. She used to act her socks off in Panthea Annual Pantomime at Windsor Castle,
which naturally, those close to her say has a far better, wonderful sense of humor, which we know we don't always get to see from her, often rather
on smiling face in on public duties. And, yes, there have been some wonderful moments.
[09:50:00]
GRISTWOOD: I think her last just this last Jubilee, when she of course was unable perhaps tellingly to attend a number of the events. But when she did
then come out on the balcony, she's been on the balcony that balcony of Buckingham Palace so many times before, but this one was different. This
one felt as - mattered.
CHATTERLEY: Yes, and we hope for more positive events and big smiles too. And I should point out that it's been pointed out to me that I have to make
clear that it was a stunt double and it wasn't the Queen skydiving because she is powerful enough perhaps to have considered it. Sarah final thoughts
- we do wish her well.
GRISTWOOD: We do, yes, we definitely will do. I think you know the new Prime Minister here Liz Truss only appointed and of course with the days
said that the whole nation and beyond that are wishing the Queen well.
CHATTERLEY: Yes.
GRISTWOOD: But as you're not correspondence so he's all about the family at the moment.
CHATTERLEY: Yes, a moment for unity for them and the nation and beyond. Sarah, thank you so much. Sarah Gristwood historian and author of
"Elizabeth the Queen and crown", thank you!
GRISTWOOD: Thank you.
CHATTERLEY: OK, straight ahead we continue our "Breaking News" coverage of the health of Queen Elizabeth.
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CHATTERLEY: Welcome back to our "Breaking News" coverage of the health status of Queen Elizabeth II just before the break, we were speaking to
Sarah Gristwood then and pleased to say she's back with is actually Sarah.
I was listening to what you were saying earlier and thinking one of the things that I really wanted to ask you is also the importance to the Queen
of the loss of her soul mate, Prince Philip and of course that was 17 months ago.
And I think I mentioned the importance of that image of seeing her alone because she'd lost the only other member of her bubble during the COVID
period. How important a turning point do you think in her life and in her reign that was as we look back from this moment?
GRISTWOOD: Yes, I think you're right to highlight it. Because I think in some ways we can see a decline in the Queen's state from then. I mean, I'm
sure she faced Prince Philip's loss stoically, as she has faced everything in her life. And without making a public fuss, as you said, she sat there
bravely alone at his funeral to comply with the COVID regulations. But he was indeed her soul mate.
And I think he was the only person really the only person still alive with whom she could be on terms of equality with everybody else.
[09:55:00]
GRISTWOOD: Even her own children she has to be the Queen. But I think between them there was such a bond, such a working partnership, that I
think she did lose something irreplaceable. And I mean in Prince Philip himself, I think he often didn't get credit for this.
But he did do the most extraordinary job for a man of his generation, very much a kind of alpha male to spend his life a few paces behind his wife.
And making it work was really quite an extraordinary feat to pull off. There aren't any rules for what a male consort should do. He managed to
make something enormously productive out of it.
CHATTERLEY: Yes, Sarah, our hearts are with them all at this moment. Thank you for coming back and discussing that because I agree, I think a poignant
moment in a long history here. Sarah Gristwood thank you once again, historian and author of "Elizabeth the Queen and crown", thank you. Stay
with CNN for our continuing coverage of the health of Queen Elizabeth, she remains comfortable at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
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