Queen Elizabeth II – A Model of Longevity, Resilience, and Everyday Balance
Queen Elizabeth II was regarded for many years not only as a symbol of the United Kingdom but also as an exceptional example of resilience, stability, and longevity. Despite decades of intense pressure, constant responsibility, political crises, and family challenges, she remained physically and mentally sharp well into old age, living to the age of 96.
It is believed that her ability to age gracefully was closely linked to an active lifestyle, a consistent daily routine, a balanced diet, and continuous mental stimulation. Until the final months of her life, the monarch remained intellectually engaged, read extensively, followed current affairs, and maintained regular daily movement.
Despite being supported by a professional team of chefs, the Queen adhered to a fairly consistent and balanced diet. Daily walks with her beloved corgis, horse riding, and time spent outdoors were an important part of her life. She even continued riding horses just weeks before her death, despite doctors’ advice to take greater care.
A strong emotional bond with her late husband, Prince Philip, is also believed to have played a significant role. After the death of the Duke of Edinburgh in April 2021, the Queen’s health began to decline more rapidly. Nevertheless, longevity appeared to run in the family—her mother lived to the age of 101, highlighting the possible influence of genetic factors.
Queen Elizabeth II never followed a strict exercise regimen, yet physical activity was an integral part of her everyday life. She walked her corgis twice a day around the grounds of Buckingham Palace, most often until the end of 2021, when her health no longer allowed her to continue this routine.
Scientific research shows that even light physical activity, such as daily walking, can significantly contribute to a longer lifespan. Studies indicate that people over the age of 85 who walk for at least 10 minutes a day reduce their risk of death over the next five years by up to 40%.
In addition to walking, the Queen was a passionate horse rider throughout her life and an accomplished breeder of racehorses. Even in the final months of her life, she reportedly took short, gentle rides around the grounds of Windsor Castle. In her youth, she was also actively involved in hunting and was considered an experienced and skilled shooter.
After becoming Queen in 1952, Elizabeth II received the famous red box—containing state documents—almost every day of the year, with the exception of just two official days off: Christmas Day and Easter Sunday. Each morning, she reportedly spent several hours reviewing these documents.
She typically began her day by reading newspapers or listening to the radio during breakfast, and in the evening often fell asleep reading a book or magazine. This consistent mental engagement is considered one of the key factors in maintaining cognitive health.
Scientific studies show that regular mental activity—such as reading, writing, listening to music, playing games, or even watching television—can reduce the risk of dementia by up to 23%. Large-scale studies involving more than two million people have demonstrated that such activities help preserve memory, thinking skills, and emotional balance.
Queen Elizabeth II maintained a stable body weight throughout her life. Even in later years, when her physical activity slowed, she did not tend to gain excess weight. This is commonly attributed to her consistent diet and moderate eating habits.
Former royal chef Darren McGrady has noted that the Queen was not a foodie and preferred simple, balanced meals. Her day usually began with a cup of black Earl Grey tea and biscuits, followed by breakfast consisting of cereal, yogurt, toast, and marmalade.
Yogurt, rich in protein, calcium, and probiotics, supports digestive health, immune function, and gut microbiota. For lunch and dinner, the Queen often chose vegetables, red meat, poultry, or fish. When dining alone, she reportedly avoided simple carbohydrates such as pasta and potatoes.
The Queen was known as a “creature of habit.” Her daily schedule remained largely unchanged for many years:
waking up around 7:30 a.m.;
a cup of Earl Grey tea;
morning bathing;
reading newspapers or listening to the radio;
reviewing documents and attending meetings;
afternoon engagements and tea;
evening activities or relaxation;
reading before bed until around 11:00 p.m.
Scientists suggest that maintaining a structured daily routine helps reduce stress and anxiety, supports emotional stability, and contributes to overall well-being.
The strong emotional bond with Prince Philip, whom the Queen described as her “rock,” is considered an important factor in her psychological well-being. Research consistently shows that a happy marriage can have a positive effect on both physical and mental health.
The Queen was also renowned for her love of animals, particularly Pembroke Welsh corgis and horses. Scientific studies indicate that owning pets can lower blood pressure, reduce stress levels, and contribute to improved emotional well-being.
Queen Elizabeth II’s longevity was most likely the result of a combination of factors rather than a single cause: regular physical movement, continuous mental activity, a balanced diet, a structured routine, strong emotional connections, and a clear sense of purpose in life. These principles are increasingly emphasized today in modern approaches to well-being and healthy living.
