Queen Elizabeth II reigned for over 70 years before passing away peacefully at Balmoral, Scotland, in September 2022 at age 96. Though the cause of death wasn’t initially disclosed, reports later revealed she had been battling bone marrow cancer.
Former butler Paul Burrell and other sources confirmed her diagnosis. Despite a grim prognosis in 2021, the Queen remained determined to see her Platinum Jubilee in 2022. Her brave four-word reaction upon learning she was dying: “Well, that’s a shame.”
She asked doctors, “Can you keep me alive for that?” referring to the Jubilee. She followed strict medical advice, giving up her favorite drinks and undergoing treatments to make it to the celebration.
Her reign saw 15 prime ministers, from Winston Churchill to Liz Truss. King Charles, her son, called her loss “a moment of the greatest sadness” and praised her as a deeply cherished sovereign.