Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stirred controversy with revelations in his upcoming memoir regarding Queen Elizabeth II's health before her passing. In the book set to be released on October 10 and serialized in the Daily Mail newspaper, Johnson disclosed details about the monarch's final days at Balmoral, Scotland.
According to Johnson, he had been aware for over a year that Queen Elizabeth II was battling a form of bone cancer, with doctors expressing concerns about a potential decline in her health. Despite her cause of death being officially listed as 'old age' on her death certificate, Johnson's account marks the first public indication by a former senior government official regarding the Queen's health condition.
While Johnson is not the first prime minister to reflect on his interactions with the late Queen in an autobiography, his memoir stands out for its vivid details and specific insights into her health. Buckingham Palace has refrained from commenting on the book, adhering to its policy of not engaging with publications about the royal family.
Johnson reminisced about his final audience with Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral, where he observed signs of her deteriorating health. Despite her physical frailty, Johnson noted that the Queen's mental acuity remained sharp, describing her as a beacon of service, patience, and leadership.
The late Queen's commitment to privacy extended to her medical details, with her family members also maintaining a right to medical confidentiality. In contrast, King Charles III and Catherine, Princess of Wales have been more open about their health struggles, sharing their cancer diagnoses and recoveries while choosing not to disclose specific details about the type of cancer they faced.
Johnson's memoir sheds light on a personal and poignant aspect of Queen Elizabeth II's final days, offering a glimpse into the profound respect and admiration he held for the monarch. As the public awaits the release of his book, the revelations about the Queen's health have sparked discussions about royal privacy and the legacy of a beloved monarch.
