Why British monarch stays above politics

Max Foster
By Max Foster, CNN
Published 2:24 PM EST, Wed March 9, 2016
01:37 - Source: CNN
Queen dragged into 'Brexit' debate

Story highlights

Buckingham Palace dismisses report of Queen backing British exit from EU

Constitutional role of British monarchs is to steer clear of politics

Queen Elizabeth II has political views but never makes them known in public

London CNN  — 

The storm over Queen Elizabeth II’s reported views on the European Union and whether Britain should vote in a referendum to leave the EU cuts to the very heart of royal neutrality.

Palace rejects UK newspaper report that Queen Elizabeth ‘backs Brexit’

The Sun newspaper published a front-page article Wednesday with the headline “Queen backs Brexit,” a term used to describe a potential “British exit” from the EU.

In a dismissive statement about the report, Buckingham Palace said: “The Queen remains politically neutral as she has for 63 years. … The referendum is a matter for the British people to decide.”

Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
Eddie Mulholland/WPA Pool/Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
Elizabeth was born April 21, 1926, in London. She is held here by her mother, also named Elizabeth. Her father would later become King George VI.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
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Elizabeth was born April 21, 1926, in London. She is held here by her mother, also named Elizabeth. Her father would later become King George VI.
Princess Elizabeth poses for a photo at her London home in 1928.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
Hulton-Deutsch Collection/Corbis/Getty Images
Princess Elizabeth poses for a photo at her London home in 1928.
Princess Elizabeth is seen with her uncle Edward, Prince of Wales, during a visit to Balmoral, Scotland, in September 1933. He would go on to become King Edward VIII in 1936. But when he abdicated later that year, Elizabeth's father became King and she became heir presumptive.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
AP
Princess Elizabeth is seen with her uncle Edward, Prince of Wales, during a visit to Balmoral, Scotland, in September 1933. He would go on to become King Edward VIII in 1936. But when he abdicated later that year, Elizabeth's father became King and she became heir presumptive.
From left, Princess Elizabeth, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret wave to the crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace on June 22, 1939.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
Len Puttnam/AP
From left, Princess Elizabeth, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret wave to the crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace on June 22, 1939.
Elizabeth rides a horse in Windsor, England, in 1940. Her love of horses has been well documented.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
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Elizabeth rides a horse in Windsor, England, in 1940. Her love of horses has been well documented.
A 14-year-old Elizabeth, right, sits next to her sister for a radio broadcast on October 13, 1940. On the broadcast, her first, she said that England's children were full of cheerfulness and courage.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
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A 14-year-old Elizabeth, right, sits next to her sister for a radio broadcast on October 13, 1940. On the broadcast, her first, she said that England's children were full of cheerfulness and courage.
Princess Elizabeth shakes hands with an officer of the Grenadier Guards on May 29, 1942. King George VI made Elizabeth an honorary colonel in the Royal Army regiment.
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Princess Elizabeth shakes hands with an officer of the Grenadier Guards on May 29, 1942. King George VI made Elizabeth an honorary colonel in the Royal Army regiment.
Elizabeth, right, and Princess Margaret wear summer dresses circa 1942. Margaret is Elizabeth's only sibling.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
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Elizabeth, right, and Princess Margaret wear summer dresses circa 1942. Margaret is Elizabeth's only sibling.
With the Drakensberg Mountains behind her, Princess Elizabeth sits in South Africa's Natal National Park on April 21, 1947. It was her 21st birthday.
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Eddie Worth/AP
With the Drakensberg Mountains behind her, Princess Elizabeth sits in South Africa's Natal National Park on April 21, 1947. It was her 21st birthday.
On November 20, 1947, Elizabeth wed Prince Philip, a lieutenant in the British Navy who had been born into the royal families of Greece and Denmark. After becoming a British citizen and renouncing his Greek title, Philip became His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His wife became the Duchess of Edinburgh.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
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On November 20, 1947, Elizabeth wed Prince Philip, a lieutenant in the British Navy who had been born into the royal families of Greece and Denmark. After becoming a British citizen and renouncing his Greek title, Philip became His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His wife became the Duchess of Edinburgh.
Princess Elizabeth arrives at a state banquet in London in March 1950.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
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Princess Elizabeth arrives at a state banquet in London in March 1950.
Elizabeth ascended to the throne in February 1952, when her father died of lung cancer at the age of 56. Here, she walks to the altar during her coronation ceremony on June 2, 1953.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
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Elizabeth ascended to the throne in February 1952, when her father died of lung cancer at the age of 56. Here, she walks to the altar during her coronation ceremony on June 2, 1953.
Queen Elizabeth II is photographed on the balcony of Melbourne's Government House during her tour of Australia in March 1954.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
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Queen Elizabeth II is photographed on the balcony of Melbourne's Government House during her tour of Australia in March 1954.
From left, Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother visit Epsom Downs Racecourse in June 1958.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
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From left, Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother visit Epsom Downs Racecourse in June 1958.
The Queen holds her son Prince Andrew while his sister, Princess Anne, watches during a family holiday at Scotland's Balmoral Castle in September 1960. The Queen has four children, including sons Charles and Edward.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
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The Queen holds her son Prince Andrew while his sister, Princess Anne, watches during a family holiday at Scotland's Balmoral Castle in September 1960. The Queen has four children, including sons Charles and Edward.
Queen Elizabeth II is seen during the state opening of Parliament in April 1966.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
AP
Queen Elizabeth II is seen during the state opening of Parliament in April 1966.
Queen Elizabeth II with her oldest son, Prince Charles, in 1969. Charles is next in line for the throne.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
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Queen Elizabeth II with her oldest son, Prince Charles, in 1969. Charles is next in line for the throne.
Prince Charles adjusts his coronet during his investiture ceremony as Prince of Wales in 1969.
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Prince Charles adjusts his coronet during his investiture ceremony as Prince of Wales in 1969.
The Queen and Prince Philip wave from a plane ramp shortly before taking off from Tokyo in May 1975.
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Sadayuki Mikami/AP
The Queen and Prince Philip wave from a plane ramp shortly before taking off from Tokyo in May 1975.
The Queen takes a portrait at Windsor Castle for her 50th birthday on April 21, 1976.
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The Queen takes a portrait at Windsor Castle for her 50th birthday on April 21, 1976.
The Queen meets the crowds during her royal tour of New Zealand in 1977.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
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The Queen meets the crowds during her royal tour of New Zealand in 1977.
Elizabeth walks with some of her corgis at the Windsor Horse Trials in May 1980.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
Press Association/AP
Elizabeth walks with some of her corgis at the Windsor Horse Trials in May 1980.
The Queen stands next to Prince Charles as he kisses his new bride, Princess Diana, on July 29, 1981.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
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The Queen stands next to Prince Charles as he kisses his new bride, Princess Diana, on July 29, 1981.
Elizabeth takes pictures of her husband during a horse show in Windsor in May 1982.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
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Elizabeth takes pictures of her husband during a horse show in Windsor in May 1982.
Elizabeth drives her Land Rover during the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May 1992.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
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Elizabeth drives her Land Rover during the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May 1992.
While at Buckingham Palace, the Queen and Prince Philip view the floral tributes to Princess Diana after her tragic death in 1997.
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Pool/AP
While at Buckingham Palace, the Queen and Prince Philip view the floral tributes to Princess Diana after her tragic death in 1997.
The Queen addresses the nation on the night before Princess Diana's funeral in 1997.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
Peter Marlow/Magnum Photos
The Queen addresses the nation on the night before Princess Diana's funeral in 1997.
Prince Charles looks back at his mother after wedding Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, in April 2005.
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Toby Melville/AP
Prince Charles looks back at his mother after wedding Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, in April 2005.
The Queen arrives at St Paul's Cathedral for a Thanksgiving service in honor of her 80th birthday in 2006.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
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The Queen arrives at St Paul's Cathedral for a Thanksgiving service in honor of her 80th birthday in 2006.
The Queen, second from right, greets a crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace in April 2011. Her grandson Prince William, third from left, had just married Catherine Middleton.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
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The Queen, second from right, greets a crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace in April 2011. Her grandson Prince William, third from left, had just married Catherine Middleton.
The Queen's signature is seen in the visitors book at Aras An Uachtarain, the Irish President's official residence in Dublin in May 2011.
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The Queen's signature is seen in the visitors book at Aras An Uachtarain, the Irish President's official residence in Dublin in May 2011.
Madame Tussauds London reveals a wax figure of the Queen in May 2012.
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Madame Tussauds London reveals a wax figure of the Queen in May 2012.
Prince Charles kisses his mother's hand on stage as singer Paul McCartney, far right, looks on at the Diamond Jubilee concert in June 2012. The Diamond Jubilee celebrations marked Elizabeth's 60th anniversary as Queen.
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Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images
Prince Charles kisses his mother's hand on stage as singer Paul McCartney, far right, looks on at the Diamond Jubilee concert in June 2012. The Diamond Jubilee celebrations marked Elizabeth's 60th anniversary as Queen.
The Queen tours the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London in December 2012.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
Alastair Grant/AP
The Queen tours the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London in December 2012.
A boy in Belfast, Northern Ireland, takes a selfie in front of the Queen in June 2014.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
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A boy in Belfast, Northern Ireland, takes a selfie in front of the Queen in June 2014.
The Queen enters the Great Hall at Edinburgh Castle after attending a commemorative service for the Scottish National War Memorial in July 2014.
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The Queen enters the Great Hall at Edinburgh Castle after attending a commemorative service for the Scottish National War Memorial in July 2014.
The Queen waits to give her speech during the state opening of Parliament in May 2015.
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The Queen waits to give her speech during the state opening of Parliament in May 2015.
Elizabeth listens to her great-grandson, Prince George, outside a church where George's sister, Charlotte, was being christened in July 2015. George and Charlotte are the children of Prince William, left, and Duchess Catherine.
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Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Elizabeth listens to her great-grandson, Prince George, outside a church where George's sister, Charlotte, was being christened in July 2015. George and Charlotte are the children of Prince William, left, and Duchess Catherine.
The Queen is seated at her desk in her private audience room at Buckingham Palace in July 2015. She is seen with one of her official red boxes, which contains important papers from government ministers in the United Kingdom and from representatives across the Commonwealth and beyond. The photo was taken to mark the moment the Queen became the longest-reigning British monarch.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
Mary McCartney/Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II via Getty Images
The Queen is seated at her desk in her private audience room at Buckingham Palace in July 2015. She is seen with one of her official red boxes, which contains important papers from government ministers in the United Kingdom and from representatives across the Commonwealth and beyond. The photo was taken to mark the moment the Queen became the longest-reigning British monarch.
The Queen takes a photo with five of her great-grandchildren and her two youngest grandchildren in April 2016.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
Annie Leibovitz/UPPA/ZUMA Press
The Queen takes a photo with five of her great-grandchildren and her two youngest grandchildren in April 2016.
The Queen poses with four of her dogs on the private grounds of Windsor Castle in April 2016.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
Annie Leibovitz/PA Wire/ZUMA Press
The Queen poses with four of her dogs on the private grounds of Windsor Castle in April 2016.
The Queen and Prince Philip wave to guests in London who were attending celebrations for her 90th birthday in 2016.
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Arthur Edwards/Pool/Getty Images
The Queen and Prince Philip wave to guests in London who were attending celebrations for her 90th birthday in 2016.
Elizabeth speaks to Evie Mills, 14, at a hospital in Manchester, England, in May 2017. Evie was injured in a bombing that took place as people left an Ariana Grande concert.
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Elizabeth speaks to Evie Mills, 14, at a hospital in Manchester, England, in May 2017. Evie was injured in a bombing that took place as people left an Ariana Grande concert.
The Queen sits at a desk in Buckingham Palace after recording her Christmas Day broadcast in 2017.
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John Stillwell/Pool/Getty
The Queen sits at a desk in Buckingham Palace after recording her Christmas Day broadcast in 2017.
The Queen arrives for the wedding of her grandson Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in May 2018.
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The Queen arrives for the wedding of her grandson Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in May 2018.
The Queen laughs with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, during a bridge-opening ceremony in Halton, England, in June 2018. It was Meghan's first royal outing without her husband, Prince Harry, by her side.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
The Queen laughs with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, during a bridge-opening ceremony in Halton, England, in June 2018. It was Meghan's first royal outing without her husband, Prince Harry, by her side.
The Queen and US President Donald Trump inspect a guard of honor during <a href="https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2018/07/politics/trump-europe-trip-cnnphotos/" target="_blank">Trump's visit to Windsor Castle</a> in July 2018.
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The Queen and US President Donald Trump inspect a guard of honor during Trump's visit to Windsor Castle in July 2018.
The Queen looks at <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2019/05/08/uk/gallery/archie-royal-baby-harry-meghan/index.html" target="_blank">her new great-grandchild, Archie,</a> in May 2019. Archie is the first child of Prince Harry, second from left, and his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex. Prince Philip is on the far left. Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, is next to her at right.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
Chris Allerton/Sussex Royal/Getty Images
The Queen looks at her new great-grandchild, Archie, in May 2019. Archie is the first child of Prince Harry, second from left, and his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex. Prince Philip is on the far left. Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, is next to her at right.
The Queen welcomes Boris Johnson at Buckingham Palace, where she formally invited him to become prime minister in July 2019. Johnson <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2019/07/23/uk/boris-johnson-prime-minister-uk-gbr-intl/index.html" target="_blank">won the UK's Conservative Party leadership contest</a> and replaced Theresa May, who was forced into resigning after members of her Cabinet lost confidence in her inability to secure the UK's departure from the European Union.
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Victoria Jones/Pool/AFP/Getty Images
The Queen welcomes Boris Johnson at Buckingham Palace, where she formally invited him to become prime minister in July 2019. Johnson won the UK's Conservative Party leadership contest and replaced Theresa May, who was forced into resigning after members of her Cabinet lost confidence in her inability to secure the UK's departure from the European Union.
An image of the Queen appears in London's Piccadilly Square, alongside a message of hope from her <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2020/04/05/uk/queen-elizabeth-ii-coronavirus-address-gbr-intl/index.html" target="_blank">special address to the nation</a> in April 2020.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images
An image of the Queen appears in London's Piccadilly Square, alongside a message of hope from her special address to the nation in April 2020.
The Queen <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2020/06/01/uk/uk-queen-elizabeth-horse-riding-gbr-intl-scli/index.html" target="_blank">rides a horse </a>in Windsor, England, in May 2020. It was her first public appearance since the coronavirus lockdown began in the United Kingdom.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
Steve Parsons/Pool/AFP/Getty Images
The Queen rides a horse in Windsor, England, in May 2020. It was her first public appearance since the coronavirus lockdown began in the United Kingdom.
The Queen and <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/05/world/gallery/prince-philip/index.html" target="_blank">Prince Philip</a> pose for a photo in June 2020, ahead of Philip's 99th birthday.
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The Queen and Prince Philip pose for a photo in June 2020, ahead of Philip's 99th birthday.
The Queen and Prince Philip look at a homemade anniversary card that was given to them by their great-grandchildren Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis in November 2020.
Photos: Prince Philip: Decades in public life
Chris Jackson/Pool/AP
The Queen and Prince Philip look at a homemade anniversary card that was given to them by their great-grandchildren Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis in November 2020.
The Queen takes her seat alone at <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2021/04/17/uk/gallery/prince-philip-funeral/index.html" target="_blank">Prince Philip's funeral</a> in April 2021. The ceremony was limited to 30 people, in line with England's coronavirus restrictions.
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The Queen takes her seat alone at Prince Philip's funeral in April 2021. The ceremony was limited to 30 people, in line with England's coronavirus restrictions.
The Queen opens Parliament in May 2021. It was <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/11/uk/queens-speech-2021-scli-gbr-intl/index.html" target="_blank">her first major engagement since her husband's death.</a>
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The Queen opens Parliament in May 2021. It was her first major engagement since her husband's death.
The Queen receives a Duke of Edinburgh rose from Keith Weed, president of the Royal Horticultural Society, in June 2021. The newly bred rose was officially named in honor of Prince Philip.
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Steve Parsons/AP
The Queen receives a Duke of Edinburgh rose from Keith Weed, president of the Royal Horticultural Society, in June 2021. The newly bred rose was officially named in honor of Prince Philip.
The Queen <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/13/politics/president-biden-g7-day-3/index.html" target="_blank">meets with US President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden</a> in the Grand Corridor of Windsor Castle in June 2021.
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The Queen meets with US President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden in the Grand Corridor of Windsor Castle in June 2021.
The Queen drives her Range Rover as she attends the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Windsor, England, in July 2021.
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Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
The Queen drives her Range Rover as she attends the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Windsor, England, in July 2021.
The Queen attends the Royal Windsor Cup polo match and a carriage-driving display by the British Driving Society in July 2021.
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The Queen attends the Royal Windsor Cup polo match and a carriage-driving display by the British Driving Society in July 2021.
The Queen and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, left, greet guests during a Windsor Castle reception for international business and investment leaders in October 2021.
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The Queen and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, left, greet guests during a Windsor Castle reception for international business and investment leaders in October 2021.
The Queen cuts a cake to celebrate the start of her <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/09/uk/queen-elizabeth-ii-platinum-jubilee-intl-scli-gbr/index.html" target="_blank">Platinum Jubilee</a> in February 2022. It has been 70 years since <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2022/02/05/europe/gallery/queen-elizabeth-ii-reign-begins/index.html" target="_blank">the Queen took the throne</a> in 1952.
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Joe Giddens/WPA Pool/Getty Images
The Queen cuts a cake to celebrate the start of her Platinum Jubilee in February 2022. It has been 70 years since the Queen took the throne in 1952.
The Queen meets with Rear Admiral James Macleod, the outgoing Defence Services secretary, and Macleod's successor, Major General Eldon Millar, at Windsor Castle in February 2022. It was a few days before Buckingham Palace announced that the Queen <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/20/uk/queen-elizabeth-coronavirus-intl-gbr/index.html" target="_blank">tested positive for Covid-19.</a>
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
Steve Parsons/WPA Pool/Getty Images
The Queen meets with Rear Admiral James Macleod, the outgoing Defence Services secretary, and Macleod's successor, Major General Eldon Millar, at Windsor Castle in February 2022. It was a few days before Buckingham Palace announced that the Queen tested positive for Covid-19.
The Queen purchases a train ticket as she attends <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/queen-elizabeth-train-line-london-intl-scli-gbr/index.html" target="_blank">the opening ceremony of the long-awaited Elizabeth line</a> at the Paddington station in west London in May 2022. She had recently been suffering from mobility issues, canceling several appearances.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
Toby Melville/Reuters
The Queen purchases a train ticket as she attends the opening ceremony of the long-awaited Elizabeth line at the Paddington station in west London in May 2022. She had recently been suffering from mobility issues, canceling several appearances.
The Queen watches the Trooping the Colour parade in London during her <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2022/06/02/uk/gallery/queen-elizabeth-platinum-jubilee/index.html" target="_blank">Platinum Jubilee celebrations</a> in June 2022. She is the first British sovereign to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee -- 70 years on the throne. "I have been humbled and deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate my Platinum Jubilee," the Queen said in a released statement. "While I may not have attended every event in person, my heart has been with you all; and I remain committed to serving you to the best of my ability, supported by my family."
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
Jonathan Brady/Pool/AP
The Queen watches the Trooping the Colour parade in London during her Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022. She is the first British sovereign to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee -- 70 years on the throne. "I have been humbled and deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate my Platinum Jubilee," the Queen said in a released statement. "While I may not have attended every event in person, my heart has been with you all; and I remain committed to serving you to the best of my ability, supported by my family."
The Queen welcomes <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/05/uk/gallery/liz-truss/index.html" target="_blank">Liz Truss</a> at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, formally inviting her to be the new prime minister in September 2022. The meeting would traditionally have taken place at London's Buckingham Palace, but the monarch has significantly reduced her duties and travel in recent months because of her mobility issues.
Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II
Jane Barlow/AP
The Queen welcomes Liz Truss at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, formally inviting her to be the new prime minister in September 2022. The meeting would traditionally have taken place at London's Buckingham Palace, but the monarch has significantly reduced her duties and travel in recent months because of her mobility issues.

What’s monarch’s role?

Ever since her ancestor King Charles I lost his head in 1649 following the English Civil War with Parliament, British monarchs’ constitutional role has gradually distilled to this: representing the whole country – and steering clear of politics.

The abdication crisis of 1936 underlined this reality when it became clear that Parliament would not even allow Edward VIII to marry Wallis Simpson, the American divorcee he loved, and remain king.

FILE - In this Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, file photo, Spain's Crown Prince Felipe, centre, Spain's King Juan Carlos, left, and Spain's Queen Sofia, right, attend the annual Pascua Militar Epiphany ceremony at the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain. Spain's King Juan Carlos plans to abdicate and pave the way for his son, Crown Prince Felipe, to take over, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy told the country Monday in an announcement broadcast nationwide. The 76-year-old Juan Carlos oversaw his country's transition from dictatorship to democracy but has had repeated health problems in recent years. (AP Photo/Gerard Julien/Pool/AP/File)
FILE - In this Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, file photo, Spain's Crown Prince Felipe, centre, Spain's King Juan Carlos, left, and Spain's Queen Sofia, right, attend the annual Pascua Militar Epiphany ceremony at the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain. Spain's King Juan Carlos plans to abdicate and pave the way for his son, Crown Prince Felipe, to take over, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy told the country Monday in an announcement broadcast nationwide. The 76-year-old Juan Carlos oversaw his country's transition from dictatorship to democracy but has had repeated health problems in recent years. (AP Photo/Gerard Julien/Pool/AP/File)
Gerard Julien/Pool/AP/File
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Abdications through history

So the reason for Buckingham Palace’s frustration is simple: The royal family’s position requires the support of parliamentarians – on either side of the political divide. To support one party – or cause – will only lead to trouble further down the line.

Elizabeth II: Young Queen who grew into a modern monarch

Of course, this is not to say that the Queen has no political views. Several of her prime ministers have recalled the sound political advice she has given in the meetings she holds with them every week – but those words have always remained private.

And while the royal family realizes it can only survive by appearing to be above the political fray – it is far from being politically naive. In 1917, near the end of World War I, the family changed its name from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to the more English-sounding Windsor amid widespread anti-German feeling.

Silence is golden

On rare occasions her thoughts have made it into the public domain. BBC correspondent Frank Gardner revealed in 2012 that the Queen told him she was surprised that radical Islamic cleric Abu Hamza was still free. The journalist later apologized for disclosing the monarch’s remarks.

And during the Scottish referendum campaign, Elizabeth told a well-wisher outside a church that she hoped people would “think very carefully about the future.” It was a rare moment of candor for someone well aware that anything she says in public has the potential to be picked up by reporters.

The situation is slightly different with other members of the royal family. Her heir, Prince Charles, is an outspoken supporter of environmental causes and frequently writes letters to government ministers expressing his views. Her husband, Prince Philip, is also famed for his forthright observations and jokes.

Think you know the prince of gaffes? Take our quiz

Royal aides say Prince Charles will cease to express his opinions when he becomes king. Gradually he is being prepared for his future role: With a mother who has prided herself on never putting a foot wrong in public, Charles will realize the truth of the adage that silence is golden.

CNN’s Peter Wilkinson contributed to this report.