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Live like the Queen: Queen Elizabeth’s 10 Secrets to a Long Life
At 96 years old, Queen Elizabeth II is the longest-reigning monarch in British history. She is also the most senior monarch, having surpassed the age of 81 years previously held by her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria.
She rarely falls ill, is not known to have any serious health conditions and has only ever missed official engagements with the advice of her doctors. How does she do it?
Aside from good genes, an adoring public, an army of cute corgis, and, let’s be honest, a lot of money that affords her the best medical care possible, are there any other secrets to the Queen’s long life?
We did a little digging and found ten likely reasons why Her Royal Highness has maintained relatively good health throughout her life.
1. She eats a balanced diet
Queen Elizabeth II smiles as she attends a dinner at the Corinthia Palace Hotel in Attard in November 27, 2015.
Credits: Getty
Her meals are mostly high in protein and low in carbohydrates, with plenty of fresh vegetables. On a typical day, breakfast for the Queen consists of cereal with milk, yogurt, and fresh fruit. For lunch, she often enjoys a meal of grilled fish or chicken, vegetables, and a salad. And dinner is usually something like roast beef or lamb, along with fruits and desserts.
The Queen doesn't skip desserts either. She has a sweet tooth and enjoys a slice of chocolate biscuit cake with her afternoon tea. She also prefers wine over beer and reportedly drinks four cocktails a week.
2. She gets regular exercise
The Queen riding Balmoral Fern, a 14-year-old Fell Pony, in Windsor Home Park. Credits: Steve Parsons/PA
Her Majesty is a big fan of horseback riding and spends much of her free time outdoors. She’s known to still take her horses for a ride even at 96!
Aside from horseback riding, the Queen likes to walk whenever she can. She particularly enjoys walking her dogs around her various royal residences. This hobby helps her stay active and fit.
3. She gets plenty of sleep
While The Queen has a lot of responsibilities on her plate, she also knows the importance of a good night’s sleep. She typically goes to bed around 11 PM and wakes up at 7 AM. That’s a solid eight hours! This helps her stay well-rested and refreshed.
4. She goes on regular vacations
Every summer, she retreats to her private residence in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Balmoral Castle, for a few weeks. This gives her a chance to relax and recharge, away from the hustle and bustle of royal life. Her husband, Prince Philip joined her, until his death in 2021 Other royal family members also regularly join her at Balmoral, including her grandsons, Prince William and Prince Harry, and their families.
5. She gets regular medical checkups
The Queen is diligent about her health and gets regular checkups, even if she’s feeling perfectly fine. According to Dr Robert Petrella of the Lawson Health Research Institute, Queen Elizabeth has regular medical screenings and access to the best healthcare available. This helps her stay on top of her health and catch any potential health problems early on.
The Queen also has a team of personal physicians who are on call 24/7, ready to attend to her every need. They even travel with her whenever she goes on official trips, both within the UK and abroad.
6. She has a positive outlook on life
The Queen has always maintained a positive outlook on life, even during difficult times. This positive attitude has undoubtedly contributed to her excellent health and longevity. Tempers ran hot in many of the Queen's ancestors, so she was cautioned since childhood against dwelling too often on negative emotions like anger, jealousy and resentment. She doesn't think it's helpful to brood and instead tries to rise above her problems with good humour and grace.
We think it's always good to talk about your problems with friends or family, but the Queen's way of thinking definitely can't hurt! There can be value in trying to see the positive side of everything.
7. She drinks alcohol in moderation
The Queen attending a reception for winners of The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise. Credits: Yui Mok/PA
The Queen also doesn't smoke. She has reportedly never smoked a day in her life. Despite coming from a family of smokers—her father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were all heavy smokers—the Queen had always abstained from smoking, even during her younger years when it was considered more socially acceptable. This contributes to her good health, as smoking and drinking excessively can lead to many health problems.
8. She has a strong marriage
Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh walk at Broadlands, Hampshire, 2007
Credits: Fiona Hanson/POOL/AFP/Getty Images
A strong and supportive relationship can do wonders for your mental and emotional health. In fact, according to a University College London 2017 study, marriage is associated with a reduced risk of dementia. Another study by Keele University in 2018 found that married people had a decreased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke mortality. It has also been found that marriage is linked to a longer life expectancy.
9. She loves a cuppa
Queen Elizabeth ll and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh enjoy a cup of tea in Nauru during their tour of the South Pacific islands in October, 1982. Credits: Anwar Hussein/Getty Images
Barley water with lemon or other fruit is another one of the Queen’s favourite drinks, and the royal family has been known to enjoy it for centuries. Barley water is thought to help support kidney function and lowers blood sugar levels and cholesterol. It's no surprise that the Queen has credited it for her lovely complexion.
10. She keeps pets
Queen Elizabeth II with her corgis in 1973. The House of Windsor came by its first corgi four decades earlier, in 1933.
Credit: Press Association, via Associated Press
You may not know that there are actually health benefits to owning a pet. Research has shown that pets can help reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness. They can also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and improve mental health as they can increase opportunities for socialisation and outdoor activities.
So there you have it! These are just some of the reasons why the Queen has managed to stay in good health throughout her life. While we can’t all be 96 years old, live in a palace, and have an army of corgis and health professionals at our beck and call, we can definitely take some pages out of the Queen’s book when it comes to living a long and healthy life. After all, she is proof that it is possible to age gracefully and with good health.
We hope that you can take some inspiration from Her Majesty and incorporate some of these healthy habits into your own life!