Nine years after the Brexit referendum, a new revelation from royal biographer Valentine Low confirms that Queen Elizabeth II was, in fact, a Remainer. Despite her public political neutrality, the Queen’s private thoughts on Brexit reveal her preference for remaining in the EU.
What Happened
In Power and the Palace: The Inside Story of the Monarchy and 10 Downing Street, royal biographer Valentine Low discloses that three months before the 2016 Brexit referendum, Queen Elizabeth II expressed opposition to leaving the European Union. The Queen reportedly told a senior minister, “We shouldn’t leave the EU,” adding, “It’s better to stick with the devil you know.” This revelation contradicts a widely circulated story in The Sun during the referendum campaign, which suggested that the Queen backed Brexit—a headline the palace later called “significantly misleading.”
Who Was Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned from 1952 until her death in 2022, was known for her commitment to maintaining the stability of the monarchy and the country. Her leadership spanned major historical events, including the aftermath of World War II, the rise of the European Union, and the modernization of the British monarchy. While the Queen maintained a strictly neutral public stance on political matters throughout her reign, her long-standing views on European cooperation were shaped by her experiences during the Second World War, when her father, King George VI, played a crucial role in the post-war peace process in Europe.
Background or Timeline
Queen Elizabeth’s views on the European Union align with her life story and wartime experiences. Having witnessed the devastation of two world wars, she saw the EU as part of the post-war settlement, a symbol of European unity and peace. Despite occasional frustrations with EU bureaucracy, the Queen believed in the necessity of European cooperation. Her gentle, subtle comments on politics, like her well-known remark during Scotland’s 2014 independence referendum, exemplified her desire for stability and careful consideration in decisions of national importance.
Low’s book sheds light on the Queen’s private opinions, which, in the absence of her constitutional duty to remain politically neutral, were occasionally outspoken. Her long relationship with British prime ministers and world leaders gave her unique insights into political matters.
Public or Social Media Reaction
The revelation of the Queen’s stance on Brexit has sparked mixed reactions. While some have expressed surprise at her private opinion, others have praised the Queen for maintaining her neutrality in public, allowing her to remain a unifying figure throughout her reign. Social media discussions are focused on the Queen’s careful balance between personal beliefs and public duty, with many reflecting on how her experiences shaped her views on political matters.
Official Statement or What Happens Next
As the book Power and the Palace becomes available, the public is learning more about the private thoughts of a monarch who was known for her discretion. Her opinions on Brexit, revealed in this biography, provide a deeper understanding of her personal perspective on the EU and her role in British political life. The royal family has not commented on the specifics of the book, and the palace has maintained its stance on the Queen’s long-held political neutrality.
Closing: This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available. Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy continues to spark discussion, as new revelations about her private views shed light on the monarch’s personal beliefs and political influence.
