The Queen’s Views on Theresa May: A Study in Political Neutrality
The Queen’s Views on Theresa May: A Study in Political Neutrality
Queen Elizabeth II maintained a traditionally neutral and reserved public demeanor regarding political figures, including Prime Minister Theresa May. Throughout May's tenure from 2016 to 2019, the Queen met with her regularly, as is customary for British monarchs and prime ministers. While specific private opinions are not publicly documented, it is known that the Queen valued stability and continuity in government.
During May's leadership, which included challenging events like Brexit, the Queen likely viewed her role as supportive, offering guidance and maintaining the constitutional relationship between the monarchy and the government. In general, the Queen’s views on political leaders are not explicitly stated as she upheld a principle of political neutrality throughout her reign.
The Queen and Political Neutrality
The Queen’s thoughts on any Prime Minister are kept very much to herself, just like her opinion on all the Heads of State she meets. During her time as Queen, Theresa May is just one of 14 different Prime Ministers she has seen. The Queen does not discuss such matters with the press or members of the public.
There have been rare occasions when personality clashes or warm rapport went public, as seen with Margaret Thatcher. The Queen's neutrality has also been evident with Labour Prime Minister Harold Wilson and his wife Mary, who had a famously warm relationship with the Queen at Balmoral visits, leading Mrs. Wilson to write a laudatory poem about the sovereign.
The Queen's Sympathies and Neutrality
Some evidence suggests that the British monarch respects the work that May has done. The Queen plausibly wants her parliament to reach a Brexit consensus in the national interest. In January 2019, Queen Elizabeth II gave a carefully worded call for Britons to listen to each other and stay focused on the “bigger picture.” Some wondered if this might be a coded plea for all parties to work with Mrs. May in good faith.
CNN posed the question: Did Theresa May ask the Queen for Brexit help? Since the European Union referendum was first proposed, getting EU Leavers and Remainers to play together has been a hard task. One suspects her Majesty would like more cooperation. With Tony Blair proclaiming Brexit as “the biggest single threat to Britain,” it is likely that the Queen has sympathy for the more even-keeled approach Theresa May took.
The Bigger Picture
No one knows what the Queen thinks, and we likely never will. She is well-practiced at showing neutrality towards all political sides. Yet because she supports the United Kingdom and the values of democracy, compromise, and good sportsmanship that it has historically supported, I think the Queen may sympathize with the lonely battle Mrs. May is trying to wage in the currently divided parliament.
The “bigger picture” that the Queen hopes people will consider is the opportunity for Britons to move beyond the present stage of sowing fear and division. The Queen has made it her life’s work to be neutral, focusing on the unity and stability of the nation.