The Queen has called for people to seek common ground in comments that are widely being interpreted as a reference to the situation surrounding Brexit. The remarks came during a speech to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Women’s Institute at Sandringham during a royal visit on Thursday.
Speaking to WI members, the Queen said ”as we look for new answers in a modern age, I for one prefer the tried and tested recipes, like speaking well of each other and respecting different points of view, coming together to seek out the common ground and never losing sight of the bigger picture”.
As Head of State, the Queen remains politically neutral. However, these comments are being seen by some as a reference to the ongoing debate about how the UK will leave the European Union following weeks of political turmoil which saw the Prime Minister, Theresa May, suffer an historic defeat in the House of Commons as MPs overwhelmingly voted to reject her plans for Brexit. Her government later survived a motion of no confidence. The Prime Minister’s new proposals for Brexit go before the Commons next week.
In her speech to the WI, the Queen also said that ”the continued emphasis on patience, friendship, a strong community focus, and considering the needs of others, are as important today as they were when the group was founded all those years ago”.
The Queen traditionally visits a local Women’s Institute during her Christmas and New Year stay at Sandringham.
