Key Takeaways:
* Boris Johnson, former UK Prime Minister, asserts Queen Elizabeth II had bone cancer.
* The information was shared in his upcoming memoir “Unleashed.”
* This disclosure breaches the usual protocol between the Prime Minister’s office and Buckingham Palace.
* Previous Prime Ministers have also revealed details from private discussions with the Queen.
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson Discloses Queen’s Health Condition
In an unprecedented disclosure, Boris Johnson, former British Prime Minister, states in his soon-to-arrive memoir that Queen Elizabeth II battled bone cancer prior to her demise in September 2022. This significant revelation is a deviation from the standard protocol wherein the UK’s chosen representatives maintain privacy regarding royal family matters.
Johnson’s “Unleashed” Set to Stir the Waters
Johnson’s recently publicized account of the late monarch’s health comes from his upcoming memoir titled “Unleashed,” set to hit the shelves in late October. The revealing nugget about the Queen’s health condition surfaced in an excerpt published in Johnson’s regular column for the Daily Mail newspaper.
The Royal Family’s Privacy Preserved Until Now
It’s noteworthy that no senior British government representative or royal family member has previously disclosed details about the Queen’s cause of death. An official death certificate issued a week after the Queen’s passing mentions the cause of death as “old age.”
Johnson’s Account of the Monarch’s Health
Johnson shares in his memoir, “I had known for a year or more that she had a form of bone cancer, and her doctors were worried that at any time she could enter a sharp decline.” He also mentions visible signs of her declining health such as pale complexion, a more stooped posture, and dark bruising on her hands and wrists. However, he stated her mental acuity remained unimpaired, highlighted by her resonant smile.
Meeting with the Queen at Balmoral Castle
Johnson, who served as the UK Prime Minister between 2019 and 2022, recounts his final meeting with the Queen at her Scottish residence, Balmoral Castle, just days before her passing. The encounter ensued when he presented his formal resignation as the country’s leader to the Queen.
Palace’s Stance on Johnson’s Revelation
When prompted by CBS News about Johnson’s claim, Buckingham Palace elected to remain silent. The royal establishment traditionally refrains from commenting on matters related to the private lives of royal family individuals in print or books.
Public Disclosures by UK Prime Minister Not Entirely Unheard Of
Although Johnson’s departure from tradition has raised brows, such instances are not entirely unheard of. In 2014, former Prime Minister David Cameron expressed regret to Queen Elizabeth for revealing elements of a private conversation about the Scotland referendum results. Furthermore, former British leaders Tony Blair and Gordon Brown have delved into their interactions with the Queen in their respective books.
The Current Monarch Breaks Long-Standing Precedent
Following the Queen’s death, her first son ascended to the throne, becoming King Charles III. The new king made waves earlier this year when he announced he was undergoing cancer treatment, although refusing to specify the type. Shortly after his announcement, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, and Charles’ daughter-in-law, revealed her own cancer diagnosis but proudly proclaimed her completion of treatment and ongoing healing journey.
In sum, Johnson’s revelations present a rare glimpse into the royal family’s private health struggles, paving the way for greater transparency in future royal disclosures. Interestingly, it remains to be seen how the reaction to Johnson’s claims evolves and whether it might influence future leaders in their interactions with the monarch.