Did you know Queen Elizabeth II had strong feelings about Brexit? A new book alleges the late monarch secretly opposed Britain’s departure from the European Union, challenging royal neutrality. Dive into ‘Power and the Palace’ and discover the behind-the-scenes influence during key political moments. What do these claims reveal about the monarchy’s role?
A forthcoming book, “Power and the Palace” by royal biographer Valentine Low, makes the striking claim that Queen Elizabeth II privately believed Britain should remain in the European Union and would have voted against Brexit if permitted. This revelation offers an unprecedented glimpse into the late monarch’s personal political views, which were traditionally kept out of public discourse.
Valentine Low’s extensive research for “Power and the Palace” is founded on nearly 100 interviews with senior politicians, civil servants, and palace aides, providing a robust foundation for the book’s assertions. This comprehensive approach sheds new light on the intricate interplay between the **British Monarchy** and government affairs, challenging long-held assumptions about the **royal family**’s political neutrality during significant national events like the **Brexit referendum**.
These newly emerged claims appear to contradict earlier media reports, most notably a front-page story in The Sun during the referendum campaign titled “Queen Backs Brexit.” That article had suggested Queen Elizabeth II expressed concerns about the EU’s direction to then-deputy prime minister Nick Clegg in 2011, highlighting the often-veiled nature of royal opinions.
The author further alleges that news of Queen Elizabeth II’s private anti-Brexit stance reached then-Prime Minister David Cameron, who ultimately chose not to leverage this information to bolster the **Remain campaign**. Low points out that while the Leave camp showed no such scruples, Cameron opted for a different path. However, the book definitively states: “if the Queen had had a vote, she would have voted Remain,” a significant insight into her personal position.
“Power and the Palace” also recounts other instances where the Queen subtly conveyed her views. Ahead of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, she made a rare public intervention, urging people to “think very carefully about the future.” Lord Cameron later admitted asking her to “raise an eyebrow” about independence, and he subsequently apologized after being overheard discussing her “purring” down the phone upon hearing the result, illustrating her subtle **Political Influence**.
Further revelations include palace officials reportedly adjusting the Queen’s Speech during Boris Johnson’s premiership, specifically removing the highly charged phrase “taking back control” due to its strong association with **Brexit campaigning**. This alleged intervention suggests a proactive role by royal advisors in maintaining the monarchy’s perceived political impartiality, even when faced with highly divisive rhetoric in **UK Politics**.
The book also delves into behind-the-scenes government concerns over the monarchy’s funding formula, agreed upon in 2010. The Treasury, at one point, considered requesting a smaller percentage of Crown Estate profits. However, the Keeper of the Privy Purse reportedly stood firm, stating, “Look, Her Majesty has agreed to it,” leading George Osborne to finalize the 15 per cent settlement which remains in place today, showcasing the Queen Elizabeth II‘s unwavering stance on financial matters.
These newly unearthed details from “Power and the Palace” provide an unprecedented glimpse into the private thoughts and influence of Queen Elizabeth II during critical moments in recent British history. The book’s claims offer a compelling re-evaluation of the monarch’s role and personal beliefs, challenging long-held assumptions about royal neutrality and its practical application within modern governance.
