Longevity, Queen Elizabeth II, Healthy Lifestyle, Secrets To Long Life, Royal Habits
Queen Elizabeth II remained active and in excellent health well into her 90s. Discover the key habits and lifestyle choices that contributed to her longevity and well-being.
The Secrets Behind Queen Elizabeth II’s Long and Healthy Life
Queen Elizabeth II was a remarkable figure, not just for her leadership but also for her extraordinary longevity and vitality. Even in her 90s, she remained active, dedicated, and full of energy. But what was the secret behind her impressive health and endurance? Let’s explore the habits that contributed to her long and fulfilling life.
1. Strong Genetics Played a Role
While lifestyle plays a crucial part in longevity, genetics also influence lifespan. Queen Elizabeth II was fortunate to come from a family with impressive longevity. Her mother, the Queen Mother, lived to 101, indicating that good genes were on her side. However, genetics alone weren’t enough—her lifestyle choices were equally important.
2. A Happy and Supportive Marriage
Studies have shown that a strong and loving relationship can contribute to a longer life. The Queen was married to Prince Philip for over 70 years, and he remained her greatest support throughout their time together. Despite the challenges of royal life, their strong partnership provided emotional stability, which may have contributed to her well-being.
3. Effective Stress Management
Being the Queen of the United Kingdom came with immense responsibilities. In addition to being monarch, she was also the Supreme Governor of the Church of England and head of the royal family. Despite the pressures, she handled stress gracefully. As her former spokesperson Dickie Arbiter stated, “She can get angry if something doesn’t go right, but as it’s often out of her control, there is no point in becoming stressed about it.” Her ability to stay composed in high-pressure situations helped her maintain both mental and physical health.
4. A Healthy and Disciplined Diet
Although she could have indulged in any meal she wanted, Queen Elizabeth II preferred simple, healthy foods. Her daily meals often included grilled fish or chicken with fresh vegetables. She also had strict dietary rules:
- No starches (such as pasta, rice, or potatoes) when dining alone
- No out-of-season fruits, no matter how much she loved them
- A modest breakfast—she often had cereal, sometimes eaten from a plastic container
Despite her disciplined diet, she occasionally allowed herself treats, proving that balance was key.
5. Regular Medical Check-Ups
Unlike many people who avoid the doctor unless necessary, the Queen had routine medical screenings at least once a year. She was highly disciplined about her health and took preventive measures seriously. Regular check-ups helped her doctors monitor cholesterol, blood pressure, and overall well-being, ensuring that minor issues were addressed before they became serious.
6. Staying Physically Active
Many assume that royal duties involve a lot of sitting, but Queen Elizabeth II remained physically active well into her 90s. Throughout her life, she travelled more than any other ruler in history. Even as she reduced her state visits, she continued to stay active:
- She could stand for hours at public events
- She maintained her love for horse riding, occasionally going for a ride even in her later years
- She enjoyed walking, ensuring she got regular physical exercise
7. Keeping Her Mind Engaged
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity, and Queen Elizabeth II never stopped learning. She was deeply involved in her duties, regularly reviewing government paperwork, holding weekly meetings with the Prime Minister, and engaging with diplomats and public figures.
Unlike many of her generation, she was also curious about modern technology. She visited the Google office in London in 2008, sent her first tweet and Instagram post, and even broadcast one of her Christmas messages in 3D.
8. Prioritising Sleep
Sleep is crucial for overall health, and the Queen ensured she got around 7 hours of sleep per night. Interestingly, she was a night owl, often staying up past midnight. Her mornings were also unique—she was woken up by bagpipe music played under her window.
9. A Life of Giving and Charity
Helping others can contribute to a sense of purpose and fulfilment, and Queen Elizabeth II was dedicated to charitable work. She supported over 600 organisations, including:
- The British Red Cross
- Cancer research initiatives
- Services for disabled people
- Animal welfare charities, particularly those related to her love of dogs and horses
Her commitment to charity highlighted the importance of giving back, which is linked to improved mental and emotional well-being.
10. The Power of Tea
No British monarch would be complete without a love of tea. The Queen drank tea daily, usually taking it with milk and no sugar. Tea is packed with antioxidants, which have been shown to:
- Lower the risk of cancer
- Reduce blood pressure
- Boost heart health
She also followed the British tradition of afternoon tea, often enjoying a few sandwiches along with her favourite Darjeeling tea.
11. Enjoying Life and Staying Happy
Above all, Queen Elizabeth II understood the importance of happiness. She worked hard, but she also made time for family, hobbies, and the things she loved. Some of her favourite pastimes included:
- Spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren
- Taking care of her horses
- Enjoying sweets—especially chocolate biscuit cake
Her balanced approach to life—dedication to duty combined with moments of joy—helped her maintain a positive mindset and strong well-being.
Final Thoughts
Queen Elizabeth II’s long and healthy life wasn’t just a result of good genetics. Her healthy diet, regular exercise, mental stimulation, stress management, and strong personal relationships all played a crucial role in her longevity. She set an example of how discipline, balance, and joy can contribute to a fulfilling and long life.
What habits from the Queen’s lifestyle do you find most inspiring? Let us know your thoughts!
