Queen Elizabeth II lived to the remarkable age of 96, making her Britain's longest-reigning monarch. This impressive milestone has led many to ask: Was Queen Elizabeth healthy? Her life story offers valuable insights into the factors that contributed to her robust health and longevity.
A Lifetime of Remarkable Health
For the vast majority of her 96 years, Queen Elizabeth II was a picture of healthy longevity. Intimate details of her health were rarely made public, but she was closely monitored by the royal medical team and was known for her enduring vigor. Her physical health only saw a notable decline in her final year or so, marked by a few specific incidents rather than a long history of chronic illness.
Over the last two decades of her life, she had only a handful of hospital visits for issues like a knee surgery in the early 2000s and a brief overnight stay for gastroenteritis in 2013. This record is particularly striking for someone who lived to be nearly a century old, demonstrating her body's resilience and the benefits of her disciplined lifestyle.
The Longevity Pillars: Habits and Genes
The Queen's longevity can be attributed to a combination of factors, including good genetics, access to top-tier care, and a number of health-conscious habits. While the privilege of her position certainly helped, many of her practices can be emulated by anyone seeking a healthier life.
Sensible Exercise Over Strenuous Workouts
The Queen was not one for intense gym sessions. Instead, she favored what author Bryan Kozlowski called "sensible exercise". Her daily physical activity was primarily derived from simple, enjoyable routines:
- Walking: The Queen regularly walked her beloved corgis around the palace gardens and hiked on the moorlands of her country estates, like Balmoral. Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush even joked that her walking pace was brisk enough to leave the Secret Service panting.
- Horseback Riding: She was a lifelong equestrian, riding horses well into her 90s. This hobby provided both physical activity and mental relaxation.
- Time in Nature: Her affinity for the outdoors, particularly in the Scottish countryside, has been linked to improved mental and physical well-being.
A Disciplined, Simple Diet
According to former royal chefs, the Queen was not a "foodie" but was very disciplined with her eating habits. Her approach prioritized simplicity and moderation.
- Small, Consistent Meals: She preferred small meals throughout the day, often consisting of lean protein like grilled fish or venison with plenty of vegetables.
- Portion Control: While she didn't shy away from treats like cake or chocolate, she was known to practice strict portion control, enjoying just a small bite.
- Balanced Treats: Her diet included some daily indulgences, such as a cup of Earl Grey tea in the morning, afternoon tea with sandwiches and scones, and a nightly gin and Dubonnet cocktail (though she reportedly cut back later in life). She also loved dark chocolate, a source of antioxidants.
Staying Mentally Engaged
For the head of state of 16 Commonwealth realms, mental stimulation was a daily necessity. The Queen remained mentally sharp by continuously engaging with government documents and affairs, and holding regular social interactions. This continuous cognitive activity is widely associated with a lower risk of mental decline in older age.
The Role of Genetics and Privilege
While lifestyle was a major factor, genetics also played a part. The Queen's mother, the Queen Mother, lived to be 101, suggesting a family predisposition for longevity. However, experts emphasize that genetics are only part of the story, with lifestyle playing a larger role for most people. It is also undeniable that her immense wealth and access to the best medical care and resources contributed to her health outcomes.
The Final Chapter: Health Concerns in Her Last Year
In her final year, the Queen's health began to face more significant challenges, though she continued to perform her duties with remarkable commitment. In February 2022, she tested positive for COVID-19, which she later described as leaving her feeling "very tired and exhausted".
She also began to experience what the palace called "episodic mobility issues," which required her to use a cane and limited her travel. Photos from her final official engagement, just two days before her passing, showed her with visible bruising on her hand, leading to further speculation about her declining health.
Some unconfirmed reports, most notably from former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and biographer Gyles Brandreth, have claimed that the Queen was privately battling a form of bone marrow cancer (myeloma) in her final year. Buckingham Palace has never confirmed this, and the official cause of death listed on her death certificate was simply "old age". This term generally indicates that an older person had multiple health conditions that weren't necessarily terminal on their own but collectively contributed to their passing.
A Comparison of Longevity Approaches
| Aspect | Queen Elizabeth II's Approach | Common Modern Health Trends |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise | Moderate, consistent activity (walking, riding) tied to enjoyment. | High-intensity interval training (HIIT), heavy weightlifting, intense gym sessions. |
| Diet | Simple, balanced meals with consistent routines. Controlled portions of indulgences. | Extreme diets (e.g., keto, intermittent fasting), cutting out food groups, prioritizing supplements. |
| Social Life | Regular, structured social interactions as part of her duty. | Can be inconsistent or driven by online interaction, sometimes leading to isolation. |
| Stress Management | Retreats to country estates, hobbies, and a stoic temperament. | Mindfulness apps, strict meditation routines, therapy, but often within a high-stress lifestyle. |
A Life Lived Fully and Healthily
While the latter half of her life was lived under the spotlight, Queen Elizabeth II's health journey provides a clear lesson: a long, healthy life isn't necessarily achieved through intense, short-term health trends. It's often the result of consistent, moderate, and enjoyable habits maintained over decades.
From her simple diet and regular walking to her unwavering sense of purpose, her routine offered a blueprint for healthy aging. Although her circumstances were unique, the core principles of her lifestyle remain universally relevant for anyone seeking to live a long and fulfilling life.
For more information on the official reporting of deaths, you can consult reliable sources like the National Institutes of Health The National Institutes of Health (NIH).
