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Insights into Royal Health Privacy: Boris Johnson’s Memoir and the Legacy of Queen Elizabeth II

The passing of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022, was officially attributed to old age. However, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s memoir, “Unleashed,” reveals new details about the monarch’s health, specifically asserting that she was suffering from bone cancer prior to her death. An excerpt from the book, set for release in the UK on October 10 and in the US on October 15, was shared by The Daily Mail.

In his memoir, Johnson recounted being aware of the Queen’s condition for a considerable time and that her doctors had conveyed concerns about her potential decline. He also mentioned a conversation with Edward Young, the Queen’s private secretary, indicating that her deteriorating health was something the Queen acknowledged privately throughout the summer of 2022.

Such revelations, while impactful, are not entirely unprecedented. Royal biographer Gyles Brandreth had mentioned in his 2022 book, “Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait,” that the late monarch was afflicted with bone marrow cancer. Following the release of Brandreth’s book, Buckingham Palace refrained from commenting on the details regarding the Queen’s health.

Historical Context of Medical Privacy in the Monarchy

The royal family has long maintained a code of privacy surrounding their health issues, particularly for those in the line of succession. Historian and royal commentator Carolyn Harris noted that during King George VI’s reign, the societal norms regarding the disclosure of medical conditions were notably different. His untimely death from lung cancer was shocking to the public and his family alike, reflecting a time when discussing illnesses like cancer was often considered distressing.

Harris highlighted that many people were taken aback by George VI’s rapid decline, particularly as the royal family had just embarked on a tour prior to his passing. This cultural backdrop influenced how future generations of royals approached public disclosure about their health.

In the context of the 1950s, many believed that discussing a diagnosis could be detrimental to both the patient and their family, with societal avoidance surrounding cancer still prevalent.

Royal observer Kristen Meinzer pointed out that in the past, the media landscape was more conducive to royals safeguarding their privacy. Given the extensive changes in media exposure and public interest over the last century, especially regarding the royal family, it has become more challenging for royals to maintain the same level of confidentiality concerning personal health matters.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip adopted a discreet approach to their health, a likely strategic decision to keep focus on royal duties rather than personal ailments. For example, Prince Philip chose to retire from public life to minimize speculation regarding his health, passing away in 2021 at the age of 99. Similarly, the Queen continued to participate in public events, including her Platinum Jubilee in June 2022, demonstrating her commitment to her duties even as her health waned.

The Evolution of Royal Health Transparency

Johnson’s candid reflections on the Queen’s health represent a significant departure from traditional royal protocol, where discussions between the monarch and the prime minister are usually confidential. Recently, some prime ministers have shared stories from their meetings with the Queen, albeit sometimes at her expense, which has drawn some critique.

In contrast to historical norms, King Charles III has embraced a more modern approach regarding personal health matters. After being diagnosed with cancer in early 2024, Charles made headlines when he openly detailed his surgery for an enlarged prostate, reflecting a shift towards transparency in the monarchy.

Harris indicated that King Charles III might feel more at ease engaging with the media on health topics than previous royals, potentially recognizing the benefits of public awareness regarding medical issues. Following his announcement, visits to NHS resources on prostate health surged, showing a positive correlation between royal health disclosures and public engagement with health services.

While King Charles III’s openness has sparked an increase in discussions around health, both he and Kate Middleton, who recently shared her own health struggles, are unlikely to reveal minute details about their treatments anytime soon. Meinzer speculated that future memoirs could provide more insights, yet expressed skepticism about immediate revelations.

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