Queen's heartbreaking four-word response to doctors telling her she was going to die
The Queen was diagnosed with a form of bone marrow cancer called multiple myeloma in 2022, and was told she only had months to live
The late Queen Elizabeth's renowned stiff upper lip and determination to continue with royal responsibilities despite personal hardships was legendary throughout her extraordinary reign.
Her unwavering commitment to placing duty above her own emotions was one of the many things that earned her such tremendous approval ratings with the British public.
And now, three years after her passing, a royal source has suggested that even during her final moments she remained true to this steadfast approach.
It has been claimed that when the Queen's medical team revealed she had developed a type of bone marrow cancer known as multiple myeloma, indicating her time was limited, she responded with her characteristic composure.
Paul Burrell, who served as a butler to the Windsor family, alleged that the physicians caring for the late Queen initially indicated she would likely not survive past Christmas 2021.
When she was given that diagnosis, he claimed the 95-year-old courageously responded with four straightforward words: "Well, that's a shame."
Nevertheless, despite her measured reaction, it is reported she was stunned to learn that the conclusion of her life was probably so imminent. Burrell claims the courageous Queen revealed it was unfortunate, "because next year is my Platinum Jubilee year and I'd quite like to have seen that".
Nevertheless, the sovereign then enquired with her physicians about what could be done to help her fulfil one final wish and mark the occasion with the nation at the forthcoming jubilee. Burrell claims she asked: "Can you keep me alive for that?".
Burrell revealed in his new book: "She endured blood transfusions and scrupulously followed doctors' orders, giving up her much-loved gin and tonics, gin and Dubonnets and martinis, and instead having apple juice (and tomato juice on a Sunday as a treat) to help extend her life.
"They kept her alive to witness this landmark (Platinum Jubilee) in her reign, but she knew through it all that she was dying."
The monarch made those aware of her medical situation pledge secrecy, and ultimately died aged 96, months after the physicians' original prognosis in September 2022.
She remained at Balmoral during her final weeks, with vast numbers of the household personnel oblivious to just how seriously ill the former sovereign truly was.