Queen Elizabeth Just Made a Powerful Statement for a Troubled Time
In season two of The Crown, Claire Foy says as Queen Elizabeth II: “In an increasingly complex world, we all need certainty.” It’s a fictional quote, said on a fictional show, but in many ways, it’s real. For more than six decades now, the Queen of England has remained a steadfast, soothing figure through times of turmoil, conflict, and uncertainty.
Like right now, when the government of the United Kingdom is in crisis as it struggles to make a deal over Brexit. Theresa May’s leadership is uncertain, and the future of the U.K. is in question, leaving the country’s population polarized.
Now, the Queen isn’t allowed to take a political stance (nor are other members of the royal family). And when the Brexit vote was happening, she stayed mum. However, during a recent appearance at the Sandringham Women’s Institute in Norfolk, she made a comment that many believe was directed at the current discord.
“Every generation faces fresh challenges and opportunities. As we look for new answers in the 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,” she said to the crowd. “To me, these approaches are timeless, and I commend them to everyone.”
Although she never uttered a political term, the British press was abuzz about the allusion. “Queen Calls for End to Brexit Feud,” read a headline on the The Times of London’s front page this morning, and the remarks were soon turned into a Twitter moment.
Her comments were also similar to those made in her annual Christmas speech. “Even with the most deeply held differences, treating the other person with respect and as a fellow human being is always a good first step towards greater understanding,” she said then.
Whether or not politicians will heed these words is another thing, but they’re a reminder that Queen Elizabeth’s role and power extend beyond crowd waving, ribbon cutting, and crown wearing. She also provides comfort, common sense, and impartiality in a world where sometimes it seems like there is none.
