Three years have passed since Queen Elizabeth II’s death at Balmoral Castle in September 2022, yet stories of her remarkable composure continue to capture attention. The longest-reigning monarch in British history was renowned for her stoicism and sense of duty, and it appears these qualities remained unshaken even in her final days.
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Accounts from those close to her offer a glimpse into how she faced her diagnosis, with words that were both understated and deeply moving. Alongside her candid response, she also made one last request that reflected her enduring bond with the public she served for seven decades.
The Queen’s stoic response to her diagnosis
According to Mirror, Queen Elizabeth was informed by doctors in late 2021 that she was suffering from multiple myeloma, a form of bone marrow cancer, and that her time was limited. Paul Burrell, who had served in the royal household, shared that her immediate response was four simple words:
Well, that's a shame.
Her reaction, while modest in tone, highlighted both her surprise at the prognosis and her wish to witness the historic celebration. Despite the gravity of the moment, she reportedly carried herself with the composure for which she was so admired.
Insights from People Magazine further highlight her acceptance of her circumstances. A report from 2022 states that royal author Gyles Brandreth, in his book Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait, wrote:
The truth is that Her Majesty always knew that her remaining time was limited. She accepted this with all the grace you'd expect.
Reverend Dr. Iain Greenshields, who was with her during her final weekend at Balmoral, recalled:
Her faith was everything to her. She told me she had no regrets.
These recollections paint a picture of a monarch who approached the end with courage and serenity.
Her final wish before saying goodbye
While she accepted her illness, the Queen reportedly made one heartfelt request. As reported by Mirror, she told her doctors:
Next year is my Platinum Jubilee year and I'd quite like to have seen that.
And further asked them:
Can you keep me alive for that?
Determined to reach this milestone, she followed her medical team’s guidance closely, undergoing blood transfusions and adjusting her lifestyle. Burrell explained that she even set aside her favourite drinks, and said:
She endured blood transfusions and scrupulously followed doctors' orders, giving up her much-loved gin and tonics, gin and Dubonnets and martinis, and instead having apple juice (and tomato juice on a Sunday as a treat) to help extend her life.
These measures, combined with her determination, allowed her to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee with the nation. Burrell reflected:
They kept her alive to witness this landmark (Platinum Jubilee) in her reign, but she knew through it all that she was dying.
Her quiet perseverance during that time captured the essence of her reign — a steadfast devotion to duty, even as her health declined.
Read more:
Queen Elizabeth's hidden sense of humour: Insider claims she once imitated Melania Trump
Queen Elizabeth was kept in the dark that one of her senior courtiers was a Russian spy
Queen Elizabeth II's last diary entry revealed: Who she met in the two days before her death
Sources used:
Mirror: Queen's brave four-word reaction after being told she was going to die
People Magazine: Queen Elizabeth Knew Her Time Was Running Short, 'Had No Regrets' Before Her Death, Book Says
