Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made startling claims in his new memoir, “Unleashed,” alleging that Queen Elizabeth II had been suffering from a form of bone cancer in the year leading up to her death. Johnson, a frequent visitor to Buckingham Palace during his time in office, said he was aware of the Queen’s diagnosis and that her doctors were concerned about a potential rapid decline in her health.
Johnson recounted his final meeting with the Queen, describing her as appearing frail and bearing dark bruises on her hands and wrists. These bruises were notably visible in the last photographs taken of the Queen as she awaited the arrival of Liz Truss, whom she would officially appoint as Prime Minister. Despite her visible health challenges, Johnson maintained that the Queen’s mind remained sharp and she still possessed her characteristic “sudden, mood-lifting” smile.
Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on Johnson’s assertions, neither confirming nor denying the bone cancer diagnosis. The Palace has consistently maintained a policy of refraining from commenting on speculative reports or personal accounts.
While the Palace did not publicly disclose any specific illness at the time of the Queen’s passing, rumors about her health had been circulating. Notably, the Queen’s eldest son, King Charles, has been undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, an announcement made in February. Shortly thereafter, Kate, the Princess of Wales, revealed she had completed chemotherapy for an undisclosed condition.
The Queen’s death certificate, released shortly after her passing at the age of 96, listed “old age” as the official cause of death. This vague explanation, while standard practice for individuals of advanced age, did little to quell speculation about the specific health challenges she faced.
Prince Harry, the King’s youngest son, made a public appearance at a London charity event for seriously ill children just days after Johnson’s memoir excerpts surfaced. While he did not directly address the book’s claims, his presence at the event highlighted the royal family’s commitment to supporting causes related to health and well-being.
Johnson’s memoir also shed light on the Queen’s unwavering dedication to her duty, stating that she was determined to fulfill her constitutional obligations despite her deteriorating health. He praised her commitment to ensuring a smooth transition of power, even in her final days.
The revelation of Queen Elizabeth’s potential battle with bone cancer has reignited discussions about transparency and privacy surrounding the health of public figures. It also serves as a poignant reminder of the Queen’s resilience and unwavering devotion to her role, even in the face of adversity.
