Queen warns over “divided” Europe as Gauck commits to “constructive dialogue” over EU reform

The Queen has warned that “division in Europe is dangerous”, prompting suggestions that she was warning about a possible Brexit. 

 

The comments came as a speech during the UK monarch's four-day state visit to Germany, made in front of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Prime Minister David Cameron.

 

The Queen, who must remain politically neutral, said: "In our lives, 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."

 

Although the comments have prompted speculation that she was warning over Brexit, Buckingham Palace stressed the comments were not about the UK's membership of the EU. 

 

An aide told the BBC: "This is not about the EU. The queen is apolitical. She would never make a political point."

 

At the same banquet, German president Joachim Gauck said the EU needed the UK and it would support a "constructive dialogue" on the reforms Cameron is seeking. 

 

"As a good partner, Germany will support this dialogue. For Britain is part of Europe. The European Union needs Britain.

 

"A united Europe, a strong European Union, represent stability, peace and freedom – for us all."