Official Cause of Death: 'Old Age'
Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at Balmoral Castle on September 8, 2022. Her official death certificate, released on September 29, 2022, listed the cause of death as "old age". This was registered by Princess Anne. While "old age" is a broad term, it is sometimes used for elderly individuals with multiple health conditions to indicate natural decline rather than a specific terminal illness. This aligned with the public's awareness of the Queen's declining health in her final year.
Unconfirmed Claims of Bone Cancer
Following the Queen's death, claims emerged from two sources suggesting she privately battled a form of bone cancer. Buckingham Palace has not commented on these claims, maintaining the family's privacy regarding her health.
Claims from Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson
In his 2024 memoir, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson stated he was informed the Queen had "a form of bone cancer". He described his last meeting with the Queen, noting her frailty and bruising on her hands. Johnson claimed that doctors had been concerned about her decline for over a year and that the Queen knew her time was limited but wanted to fulfill her final duties.
Claims from Author Gyles Brandreth
Journalist and royal author Gyles Brandreth's 2022 biography mentioned speculation the Queen suffered from multiple myeloma, a bone marrow cancer. Brandreth suggested this could explain her reported tiredness, weight loss, and recurring "mobility issues" in her last year.
The Queen's Final Year and Known Health Issues
Queen Elizabeth II experienced a noticeable decline in health during her last year, which was more visible than usual.
- Mobility Problems: She began using a walking stick in late 2021 due to "episodic mobility problems". Her final audience with Liz Truss took place at Balmoral due to her inability to travel.
- Hospital Stay: She had a hospital stay in October 2021 for unspecified tests.
- COVID-19 Diagnosis: In February 2022, she contracted COVID-19, experiencing mild symptoms and later stating it left her feeling "tired and exhausted".
- Bruising: Photos before her death showed bruising on her hands, which medical experts suggested could be due to IV treatments.
Official vs. Unofficial Narratives
The information available on the Queen's health in her final days highlights the difference between official records and unconfirmed reports.
| Aspect | Official Narrative (Death Certificate) | Unofficial Narratives (Brandreth, Johnson) |
|---|---|---|
| Cause of Death | "Old Age" | Multiple Myeloma (bone marrow cancer) |
| Symptom Explanation | Acknowledged decline in aging | Explains mobility issues, tiredness, weight loss |
| Palace Comments | Released the official death certificate | Declined to comment on specific illness claims |
| Privacy Status | Public, but medically unspecific | Unconfirmed claims, subject to royal privacy protocol |
Conclusion
While Queen Elizabeth II's official cause of death is listed as "old age," reports from Gyles Brandreth and Boris Johnson suggest she may have had multiple myeloma. Buckingham Palace has not confirmed these claims, in line with the royal family's approach to medical privacy. Her final year included known mobility issues and a COVID-19 infection, contributing to her declining health before her peaceful death. The full details of her health will likely remain private.
