Nine years after the Brexit referendum, royal biographer Valentine Low has revealed that Queen Elizabeth II privately favored remaining in the European Union. Despite her strict public neutrality, these personal views offer insight into the Queen’s longstanding support for European cooperation.
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What Happened
In Power and the Palace: The Inside Story of the Monarchy and 10 Downing Street, Low reports that three months before the 2016 Brexit referendum, Queen Elizabeth II expressed her opposition to leaving the EU. She allegedly told a senior minister:
“We should not leave the European Union. It is better to live with the devil you know.”
This revelation contradicts earlier media claims, including a widely circulated Sun newspaper story, which suggested the Queen supported Brexit—a headline the palace later called “quite misleading.”
Who Was Queen Elizabeth II?
Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned from 1952 to 2022, was celebrated for her dedication to stability and continuity in the United Kingdom. Her reign encompassed major historical events, including post-World War II reconstruction, the rise of the European Union, and the modernization of the British monarchy. While she consistently maintained political neutrality in public, her personal experiences shaped her appreciation for European cooperation.
Her perspective was influenced by witnessing the devastation of two world wars and seeing her father, King George VI, play a pivotal role in post-war European peace efforts. These experiences fostered a belief in unity and collaboration across the continent.
Background and Timeline
Queen Elizabeth II’s support for European cooperation aligns with her life experiences and the broader post-war European context. Despite occasional frustrations with EU bureaucracy, she recognized the importance of European unity.
Her subtle, thoughtful commentary during events like Scotland’s 2014 independence referendum exemplifies her careful approach to political matters, balancing personal beliefs with constitutional obligations.
Low’s biography highlights the Queen’s personal opinions, which were sometimes vocal in private circles yet always constrained by her constitutional duty to remain politically neutral. Her relationships with British prime ministers and world leaders provided unique insights into international and domestic political affairs.
Public and Social Media Reaction
The revelation of the Queen’s private stance on Brexit has sparked a mixture of surprise and admiration. Some expressed astonishment at her personal opinion, while others praised her for maintaining neutrality publicly, ensuring her reign remained consistent and respected.
Social media discussions focus on the Queen’s delicate balancing act—upholding public duty while privately holding strong personal beliefs. Many commentators reflect on how her experiences shaped her understanding of political and European matters.
Official Statement and What Happens Next
With Low’s book now available, the public gains a deeper understanding of Queen Elizabeth II’s personal views and approach to political issues. The royal family has not commented on the book’s revelations, and the palace continues to emphasize the Queen’s long-standing political neutrality.
Conclusion
These new insights into Queen Elizabeth II’s private support for remaining in the EU shed light on her personal beliefs and the wisdom she exercised during politically significant moments. Her legacy continues to spark discussion about the intersection of personal conviction, public duty, and the enduring influence of one of history’s most respected monarchs.