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Jeffrey Archer made emotional plea for men to check for cancer just days before his sudden death at 86

From the Newshound archive · first published 7 October 2026 · last updated 8 October 2026.

Jeffrey Archer, who died at 86, had written a foreword to his final novel thanking readers across 119 countries and 51 languages — now read as an extraordinary farewell.
Jeffrey Archer, who died at 86, had written a foreword to his final novel thanking readers across 119 countries and 51 languages — now read as an extraordinary farewell.

Lord Jeffrey Archer appeared on BBC Breakfast just one week before his death to urge men not to be "macho" about prostate cancer checks, telling viewers to get their PSA tested. The bestselling novelist and former Conservative MP died "suddenly and peacefully at his home between writing sessions" on Monday at 86. His final novel, Adam & Eve, was published on the eve of his death, its foreword ending with the words "Farewell, and thank you."

The day before he died, Archer greeted a packed, sell-out crowd at a Leicester Square event alongside Gyles Brandreth.

Queen Camilla remembered him as an "irrepressible life force" and "an exception to the end."

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