In a startling revelation, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson claims that Queen Elizabeth II was battling bone cancer in the final months of her life. This disclosure, made in Johnson’s forthcoming memoir, has sent ripples through the British public, as it breaks the long-standing royal tradition of medical privacy.
While Queen Elizabeth II’s death certificate lists “old age” as her cause of death, Johnson’s account sheds new light on the possible health struggles faced by the monarch during her last days.
The Controversial Memoir Revelation
Boris Johnson’s memoir, set to be released on October 10, has already sparked controversy by serializing excerpts in the Daily Mail. In one of the most eye-catching revelations, Johnson writes that he had known for over a year that Queen Elizabeth II had a form of bone cancer.
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According to Johnson, her doctors were concerned that the Queen’s health could deteriorate rapidly at any moment. This claim marks the first time a senior government official has publicly suggested that Queen Elizabeth II’s passing might have been caused by something more specific than the general “old age” stated in official documents.
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Buckingham Palace has maintained its longstanding policy of not commenting on personal medical matters, leaving Johnson’s assertions neither confirmed nor denied. Nonetheless, this memoir provides the most detailed account yet from someone close to the monarch during her final months.
Queen Elizabeth II’s Final Days
Johnson recalls his last audience with Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral, Scotland, where he formally resigned from his position as Prime Minister just two days before her passing in September 2022. Reflecting on their final meeting, Johnson noted the visible signs of the Queen’s declining health.
He described her as pale, stooped, and having dark bruising on her hands and wrists, likely from medical procedures. Despite these physical changes, Queen Elizabeth II’s mental sharpness remained unaffected by her illness.
According to Johnson, Queen Elizabeth II’s steadfastness and grace in the face of such a serious condition were indicative of her strong character and commitment to her royal duties.
He emphasized how the Queen continued to radiate her famous smile and maintained her keen intellect throughout their conversation. The Queen’s private secretary, Edward Young, had even warned Johnson that her health had significantly worsened over the summer, yet her sense of duty never faltered.
A Lifetime of Service and Privacy
One of the hallmarks of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign was her discretion, particularly regarding her personal health. Throughout her 70-year reign, the Queen never publicly discussed her medical conditions, opting to maintain the royal family’s tradition of privacy.
This decision was grounded in the belief that members of the royal family are entitled to the same level of medical confidentiality as any other individual.
Despite this, Boris Johnson’s memoir takes the unprecedented step of revealing a potential cause for the Queen’s death, breaking royal protocol in the process.
Previous Prime Ministers, including Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, and David Cameron, have all shared reflections on their time with Queen Elizabeth II in their memoirs, but none have provided the same level of detail about her health as Johnson.
While Queen Elizabeth II remained silent about her medical conditions, other members of the royal family have been more forthcoming.
King Charles III and Catherine, Princess of Wales, have both spoken publicly about their battles with cancer, using their platforms to raise awareness about the disease.
Despite sharing their experiences, however, they have chosen not to reveal the specific types of cancer they have faced, underscoring their desire to balance openness with personal privacy.
The Legacy of Queen Elizabeth II
Even as Johnson’s memoir stirs debate about whether this information should have been revealed, it also highlights Queen Elizabeth II’s immense legacy. Described by Johnson as a figure who personified service, patience, and leadership, Queen Elizabeth II was admired by millions for her unwavering commitment to her role.
Johnson reflected on the unique bond between the monarch and her prime ministers, describing his weekly audiences with her as a privilege and a “balm” during his time in office.
Throughout her reign, Queen Elizabeth II was the embodiment of stability and continuity, guiding the nation through numerous challenges, from political crises to global pandemics.
Her reign, which spanned seven decades, was marked by a sense of duty that transcended her personal struggles, including her final battle with illness. Johnson’s memoir underscores this aspect of her character, portraying her as a leader whose service to her country remained undiminished, even in the face of serious health concerns.
For many, Queen Elizabeth II was not just a monarch but a symbol of resilience and constancy. Her ability to maintain her royal duties while privately grappling with bone cancer only adds to her already formidable reputation.
Johnson’s memoir provides a rare glimpse into the human side of the Queen, reminding the world that behind the crown was a woman who faced her own trials with quiet strength.
Public Reaction and Royal Protocol
As expected, Johnson’s revelation has drawn mixed reactions. While some appreciate the insight into the final days of Queen Elizabeth II, others argue that it was inappropriate for Johnson to share such private details.
Buckingham Palace, adhering to its traditional stance, has chosen not to comment on the memoir, maintaining the royal family’s policy of privacy when it comes to personal health matters.
The memoir’s release raises questions about the balance between public interest and royal confidentiality. Queen Elizabeth II’s health was a matter of concern for many, especially in the months leading up to her passing, but the royal household has always maintained that personal medical details are not for public consumption.
Johnson’s decision to break this silence marks a significant departure from previous government officials, potentially setting a new precedent for future disclosures.
As the world continues to reflect on the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II, this latest revelation adds another layer to her remarkable story.
Whether or not the public agrees with Johnson’s decision to reveal these details, one thing remains clear: Queen Elizabeth II will be remembered not only as a great monarch but also as a woman of immense strength and resilience.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏