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Queen Elizabeth II

Buckingham Palace denies any political implications in Queen’s State Banquet speech

During The Queen’s current Germany visit, she gave a speech asking for European unity. Queen Elizabeth spoke at a state banquet in Berlin of how her and German President, Joachim Gauck, had seen the rise and fall of Europe during their life time.

Remaining politically neutral The Queen added “We know that division in Europe is dangerous and that we must guard against it,”

Yet some have interpreted her speech as a political intervention in favour of Britain remaining in the EU.

A spokesman for Buckingham Palace has said: “The Queen’s speech speaks for itself on the threats of division and the benefits of unity.

“As ever, The Queen is above politics and is politically neutral on the EU.”

The speech was delivered at the 18th century Bellevue Palace, Joachim Gauck’s official Berlin residence, Her Majesty recalled: “In our lives, Mr President, we have seen the worst but also the best of our continent. We have witnessed how quickly things can change for the better.

“But we know that we must work hard to maintain the benefits of the post-war world.

“We know that division in Europe is dangerous and that we must guard against it in the West as well as in the East of our continent. That remains a common endeavour.”

Guests attending the state banquet included German chancellor Angela Merkel and Prime Minster David Cameron.

This falls alongside David Cameron’s views, who is following up with his push for reforms to the EU.

Joachim Gauck’s address spoke to guests expressing the EU’s need for Britain and that Germany would support “constructive dialogue” on the reforms David Cameron was seeking.

The Queen’s speech came the night before the highly important summit in Brussels of EU leaders. There the Mediterranean migrant crisis and deadlock in Greece took the forefront and David Cameron had the opportunity during a working dinner to give his speech as to a renegotiated settlement for Britain.

They were looking for the approval to six months of behind-the-scenes talks on Britain’s requests for changes to the terms of its EU membership.

Earlier in the day Queen Elizabeth and The Duke of Edinburgh lunched with some of their German relatives, one making it known that his country did not want Britain to leave the EU.  Prince Donatus, 48, said:

“It is very important, this is her fifth visit and it shows the importance of the British-German relationship – everyday it has to be worked on.

“And of course we Germans want to see the British stay in the European Union.”

Photo Credit: Number 10 via Flickr