Whispers of illness: Former PM reveals shocking details about Queen Elizabeth II’s death

The passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 marked the end of an era of a remarkable 70-year reign—the longest in British history,

Her death at Balmoral Castle in Scotland prompted a period of national mourning and reflection on her significant impact on the UK and the Commonwealth.

While the official cause of death was listed as ‘old age’, there have been whispers and claims that a more insidious illness may have been at play.


In his forthcoming memoir Unleashed, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggests that the late Queen was battling a form of bone cancer, a disease that is as stealthy as it is deadly.

In it, Mr Johnson reflected on his last encounter with the late Queen, mentioning that he had been aware of her health issues for more than a year.


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In his memoir, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson disclosed that he was aware of Queen Elizabeth II's bone cancer prior to her death. Credit: Facebook / Boris Johnson


‘I had known for a year or more that she had a form of bone cancer, and her doctors were worried that at any time she could enter a sharp decline,’ he wrote.

‘She seemed pale and more stooped, and she had dark bruising on her hands and wrists, probably from drips or injections.’

Despite her health challenges, the former Prime Minister noted that the Queen's mind remained remarkably sharp during their final meeting.


Bone cancer is a rare but formidable adversary, accounting for less than 1 per cent of all cancers diagnosed annually, with approximately 600 cases reported each year.

It's a disease that often goes unnoticed until it's too late, with symptoms that can be easily attributed to other, less serious conditions.

This is particularly true for seniors, who might dismiss persistent bone pain as a normal part of aging.

The disease arises when cells within or near a bone mutate, leading to uncontrolled growth and division.

These cancerous cells can form a tumor, which may not become apparent until after the affected area starts to hurt.

Age is a significant risk factor, with diagnoses most likely in individuals in their late 80s.


For those diagnosed with bone cancer, the prognosis is grim. Approximately 50 per cent of patients are expected to survive five years post-diagnosis.

The symptoms to watch for include persistent bone pain that worsens over time and continues into the night, swelling and redness over a bone, bones that fracture easily, and difficulty moving.

Treatment options vary depending on the stage at which the cancer is detected and the patient's overall health.

Surgery to remove the cancerous bone and replace it with an artificial substitute is sometimes possible, though in severe cases, amputation may be necessary.

These surgical options are often accompanied by chemotherapy and radiotherapy to target the tumor directly.


Gyles Brandreth, a friend of the late Prince Philip, also suggested in his biography, Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait, that the Queen suffered from a type of bone marrow cancer.

‘I had heard that the Queen had a form of myeloma—bone marrow cancer—which would explain her tiredness and weight loss and those “mobility issues” we were often told about during the last year or so of her life,’ he wrote.

‘The most common symptom of myeloma is bone pain, especially in the pelvis and lower back, and multiple myeloma is a disease that often affects the elderly.’

‘Currently, there is no known cure, but treatment—including medicines to help regulate the immune system and drugs that help prevent the weakening of the bones—can reduce the severity of its symptoms and extend the patient's survival by months or two to three years,’ Mr Brandreth continued.


The official documentation of the Queen's death cites ‘old age’ as the cause.

While ‘old age’ can be cited as a contributing factor in death, official guidelines specify it should only be used as the sole cause in rare cases.

Generally, it is accepted for individuals over 80 and only when a doctor has monitored their health decline over time, with no identifiable disease or injury present.

Furthermore, the doctor must be certain there’s no reason to report the death to a coroner.

However, the use of ‘old age’ as a sole cause of death is often discouraged, as it may not provide a complete picture of the individual's health and can leave families feeling unsatisfied with the explanation.

Those with persistent bone pain should consult their GP for investigation.


As the world reflects on the impact of bone cancer and its rapid progression, the memory of notable individuals affected by this devastating disease becomes poignant.

The late Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away after battling health issues, is remembered not only for her royal legacy but also for the challenges she faced in her final years.

This month marks the second anniversary of her death, prompting heartfelt tributes from the Royal Family and the public alike, celebrating her life and the profound influence she had on many.
Key Takeaways
  • Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed in his memoir that he was aware of the late Queen Elizabeth II having a form of bone cancer before her death.
  • Despite the diagnosis, the Queen remained mentally sharp in her final meetings, showing signs of physical ailment like bruising from medical treatment.
  • Bone cancer is a rare and deadly disease, which is more likely to affect individuals in their late 80s, with about 50 per cent of patients surviving five years post-diagnosis.
  • Officially, the Queen’s death was attributed to ‘old age’ according to her death certificate, though discussions about her possible bone cancer diagnosis have surfaced posthumously.
The Queen's legacy is one of resilience and steadfast duty, but her rumored battle with bone cancer serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of awareness and early detection.

As we remember her remarkable life, let us also take heed of the silent signs that may signal a battle with a hidden foe.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms that could be related to bone cancer, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Early intervention could make all the difference.
 
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