Boris Johnson's upcoming memoir has stirred controversy with the revelation that Queen Elizabeth II privately battled bone cancer before her death in September 2022. The former British Prime Minister's account, included in his soon-to-be-released book Unleashed, marks the first public disclosure by a senior government official about the late Queen's health during her final years. Johnson's memoir, which has been serialized in The Daily Mail, describes the Queen's condition during her final days, a subject that Buckingham Palace had kept tightly under wraps.
In the book, Johnson claims he had known for over a year that the Queen was suffering from a form of bone cancer and that her doctors were increasingly concerned about her declining health. He recalls his final visit to Balmoral Castle, just two days before her passing, where he formally resigned as Prime Minister. During this visit, he was forewarned by the Queen's private secretary, Edward Young, that the monarch's health had deteriorated significantly over the summer. "She seemed pale and more stooped, and she had dark bruising on her hands and wrists, probably from drips or injections," Johnson wrote.
Despite the physical signs of her illness, Johnson insists that Queen Elizabeth remained mentally sharp. "Her mind was completely unimpaired by her illness, and from time to time in our conversation she still flashed that great white smile," he said. Johnson's remarks contrast with the official cause of death listed on the Queen's death certificate, which simply stated "old age."
The former Prime Minister's memoir breaks royal protocol, as U.K. leaders generally refrain from disclosing private matters of the royal family, particularly sensitive health issues. Buckingham Palace, true to its long-standing tradition, has declined to comment on Johnson's claims. The royal household has always maintained that members of the royal family, like any private citizens, have a right to keep their medical conditions confidential.
Johnson's revelation sheds new light on the Queen's final years and fuels speculation about her health leading up to her death. For years, her public appearances had sparked concern as she seemed frailer, often using a walking stick during engagements. Yet, Buckingham Palace consistently downplayed concerns, only releasing minimal updates about her health.
Former British Prime Ministers Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, and David Cameron have also written about their experiences with the late Queen, but none have delved into such personal or specific details as Johnson. Their recollections remained largely centered on the Queen's role in governance, with far less emphasis on her health. Johnson's memoir, by contrast, goes beyond mere political reflection and touches on the Queen's physical condition-a line few before him have crossed.
Johnson's revelations are also notable against the backdrop of the changing dynamics within the British royal family. King Charles III, Queen Elizabeth's son and current monarch, has been more open about his health, breaking with tradition by revealing his battle with cancer earlier this year. Similarly, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has also disclosed her own cancer diagnosis and subsequent recovery.
The timing of Johnson's disclosure has sparked debate, given the ongoing public fascination with the royal family's private lives. The late Queen was a figure of global reverence, admired for her sense of duty and composure during her record-breaking 70-year reign. She was known for maintaining a high level of discretion, never publicly discussing her personal matters. Johnson's claim about her final illness, while not confirmed by the palace, offers a glimpse into a part of the Queen's life that she had chosen to keep hidden from the public.
