Nine years after the Brexit referendum, royal biographer Valentine Low has revealed that Queen Elizabeth II personally favored remaining in the European Union. Despite her public political neutrality, the Queen’s private views showed a clear preference to stay in the EU.
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What Happened
In Power and the Palace: The Inside Story of the Monarchy and 10 Downing Street, Valentine Low discloses that three months before the 2016 Brexit referendum, Queen Elizabeth II expressed her opposition to leaving the EU. She reportedly told a senior minister, “We should not leave the European Union,” adding, “It is better to live with the devil you know.”
This account contradicts a widely circulated story in The Sun during the referendum campaign, which suggested the Queen supported Brexit—a headline the palace later described as “quite misleading.”
Who Was Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II reigned from 1952 to 2022 and was celebrated for her dedication to the monarchy and national stability. She witnessed major historical events, including World War II, the rise of the European Union, and the modernization of the British monarchy. While she maintained strict political neutrality in public, her personal experiences during the war and her father King George VI’s post-war efforts influenced her long-standing support for European cooperation.
Background and Timeline
The Queen’s pro-European views were shaped by her wartime experiences. After seeing the devastation of two world wars, she viewed the European Union as a symbol of unity and peace. Despite frustrations with EU bureaucracy, she believed in the importance of European collaboration.
Her approach mirrored her subtle political interventions, such as her comments during Scotland’s 2014 independence referendum, emphasizing careful, measured consideration on matters of national importance.
Low’s book also highlights how her personal opinions occasionally surfaced despite her constitutional duty to remain neutral. Her close relationships with British prime ministers and world leaders provided her with unique political insights.
Public and Social Media Reaction
The revelation of the Queen’s Brexit stance has generated mixed reactions. Some expressed surprise at her personal opinion, while others praised her for maintaining public neutrality and safeguarding the monarchy’s apolitical reputation. Social media discussions have focused on her ability to balance personal beliefs with public duty, demonstrating the influence of her life experiences on political perspectives.
Official Statement and Next Steps
As Valentine Low’s book reaches the public, readers are gaining insight into the Queen’s private opinions. While the royal family has not commented on the specifics, the palace maintains that Queen Elizabeth II remained politically neutral throughout her reign.
Conclusion
These new revelations provide a deeper understanding of Queen Elizabeth II’s personal approach to European politics and her private convictions on Brexit. Her legacy continues to spark discussion on the delicate balance between personal belief and public duty in the monarchy.
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