Queen Elizabeth II's Final Years and Official Cause of Death
Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at Balmoral Castle on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96. Her death certificate later confirmed the official cause as 'old age'. However, her final years were marked by a decline in health, with some information about her condition emerging after her death.
Documented health issues and final days
In her last year, the Queen experienced several public health issues, including 'episodic mobility problems' that required her to use a walking stick and led to canceled engagements. She also contracted COVID-19 in February 2022, which she later said left her feeling 'very tired and exhausted'. Just two days before her death, photos showed bruising on her hands during her final public duty.
Unconfirmed reports of multiple myeloma
After her death, some individuals close to the royal family, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and royal biographer Gyles Brandreth, suggested that Queen Elizabeth II had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of bone marrow cancer. They believed this condition could explain her fatigue and mobility issues. However, Buckingham Palace never confirmed this, and 'old age' remains the official cause of death. A book based on a memo from her private secretary also indicated she passed away peacefully and without pain.
The Mysterious Death of Queen Elizabeth I
The death of Queen Elizabeth I in 1603 at the age of 69 is historically less clear due to the lack of modern medical practices like autopsies. Her cause of death is a subject of historical speculation.
Key theories and symptoms
Historical theories regarding Elizabeth I's death include blood poisoning, possibly from dental infections or her coronation ring, and lead poisoning from the toxic cosmetics she used. She also suffered from deep depression in her later years, and some accounts mention symptoms like fever and breathing difficulties, suggesting conditions like pneumonia.
Comparison of the Two Queens' Final Health Issues
| Feature | Queen Elizabeth II (died 2022) | Queen Elizabeth I (died 1603) |
|---|---|---|
| Official Cause of Death | Old Age | Undetermined (no autopsy) |
| Documented Illnesses | COVID-19, episodic mobility issues | Dental problems, potentially throat infection |
| Alleged Conditions | Multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer) | Blood poisoning, lead poisoning, pneumonia |
| Symptom Documentation | Modern reports and news coverage, palace announcements | Contemporary accounts from courtiers and ambassadors |
| Mental State | Described as mentally sharp during final meeting | Suffered from bouts of melancholy and depression |
| Medical Context | Modern medicine with official diagnosis and peaceful passing | Limited medical knowledge; refused doctor's care at times |
Conclusion: Modern Documentation vs. Historical Mystery
The key difference in understanding what was Queen Elizabeth's problem when she died for the two monarchs lies in historical documentation. For Elizabeth II, an official cause of death was recorded, despite unconfirmed reports of a more specific illness. Her death was described as peaceful. The death of Elizabeth I, however, is open to historical interpretation based on limited contemporary accounts, with various theories proposed. This highlights the evolution of medical knowledge and record-keeping. You can find more information about the peaceful nature of Elizabeth II's passing in the BBC report.
