Three years after Queen Elizabeth II passed away, new details have emerged about how she handled the news of her terminal illness.

According to a royal insider, the Queen was told by her doctors that she had multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer, and that her time was limited. Despite the shocking news, she faced it with her usual calm and dignity.

The diagnosis reportedly came just weeks after she lost her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip, in 2021, adding to her difficult year.

Paul Burrell, who served as a butler for the royal family, said that the doctors initially warned the Queen she might not live beyond Christmas of 2021.

Burrell shared that the Queen, at 95, responded with her trademark composure, saying only, “Well, that’s a shame,” when hearing the news.

Even with her composed reaction, it is said that she felt the shock of knowing her life could end so soon.

The late Queen reportedly mentioned that it was unfortunate because she wanted to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee the following year and had hoped to enjoy this milestone with the public.

Burrell revealed that she then asked her doctors if there was anything they could do to help her reach that special celebration, asking them, “Can you keep me alive for that?”

To make it possible, the Queen followed strict medical advice, enduring blood transfusions and giving up her favorite drinks like gin and tonics, gin and Dubonnets, and martinis, opting for apple juice and tomato juice on Sundays instead.

Thanks to her determination and medical care, she was able to participate in her Platinum Jubilee celebration, all while knowing her life was nearing its end.

The Queen asked those who knew about her health to keep it a secret. She eventually passed away in September 2022 at age 96, months after the initial prediction by her doctors.