The late monarch’s four-word response after learning she was nearing the end
Queen Elizabeth II passed away in September 2022 at the age of 96. She died at Balmoral, surrounded by family, after reigning for more than 70 years.
Buckingham Palace announced her death at 6:30 p.m., though records indicate she actually died at 3:10 p.m. that afternoon. A formal statement noted she “died peacefully,” and a death notice was placed on the palace gates.
Her son, King Charles III, expressed profound sadness, calling her a cherished sovereign and a beloved mother. He acknowledged her loss would be deeply felt across the UK, the Commonwealth, and the world.
Though her death certificate cited “old age,” later reports revealed she battled bone marrow cancer. She grew terribly frail in her final months, struggling with her eyesight and even lifting a teapot.
According to insiders, doctors once told her she might not live to see Christmas 2021. Her brave response to the prognosis was simply: “Well, that’s a shame.”
She was determined to live long enough to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee in June 2022. To extend her life, she underwent blood transfusions and changed her diet.
Queen Elizabeth’s grace and resilience defined her historic reign. Her dignified response to her illness reflected the same strength she showed throughout her life, cementing her legacy as an iconic and remarkable monarch.
