The Queen is regularly praised for her apolitical attitude, although it has earned her the nickname of ‘Elizabeth the Silent’. As the longest-reigning monarch in British history, her ability to represent the entire public has seen her secure a staggering 78 percent approval rating according to YouGov polls. She has never voted and implements a royal protocol which discourages the rest of the Royal Family from voting, too.
While other royals, such as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have triggered major backlash by commenting on politics — the Sussexes have been encouraging the public to vote in the US presidential election — the Queen has steered clear of partisan issues.
Yet, the sovereign has commented on the relationship between the US and Britain in the past, which could be seen as a political move similar to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s.
The Queen’s remarks have resurfaced just as Westminster nervously awaits the presidential election.
The future president is likely to have an immense impact on any UK-US post-Brexit trade deal.
The monarch revealed her thoughts on the lengthy history between the two countries when she celebrated the bicentenary of American independence in 1976.
She and Prince Philip travelled to Philadelphia, where she gave a remarkable address.
The Queen noted how she is a direct descendant of King George III, who was the last sovereign to rule over the US — and whose antagonistic relationship with the American colonies triggered the American War of Independence.
She said she therefore had a “particular personal interest” in the anniversary.
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The Queen explained: “It seems to me that Independence Day, the Fourth of July, should be celebrated as much in Britain as in America.
“Not in rejoicing at the separation of the American Colonies from the British Crown, but in sincere gratitude to the Founding Fathers of this great Republic for having taught Britain a very valuable lesson.
“We lost the American colonies because we lacked the statesmanship to know the right time and the manner of yielding what is impossible to keep.”
She said “the lesson was learnt” and in the years since, Britain has kept “more closely to the principles of the Magna Carta”.
The Magna Carta is a royal charter of rights from 1215 which stated everyone is subject to the law and has individual rights.
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She also praised independence by saying, within the cause of liberty, “we could never have transformed an Empire into a Commonwealth”.
She then awarded the US with the Bicentennial Bell with the words ‘Let Freedom Ring’ inscribed on the sides.
The monarch explained she wanted this message to be celebrated by both Britain and the US.
The New York Times reported that the Queen received an enthusiastic welcome, showing “either that British royalty still has a fairytale glamour despite its solid virtue — or that everyone loves a good loser”.
These remarks are particularly poignant in light of the upcoming election.
Democratic nominee Joe Biden is expected to prioritise his Irish roots in any trade deal after Brexit, which could see Britain falling by the wayside.
On the other hand, incumbent President Donald Trump is known to be a huge fan of the Queen and the monarchy.
His state visit last year was seen as a great success.
He tweeted: “London part of trip is going really well. The Queen and the entire Royal Family have been fantastic. The relationship with the UK is very strong.”
He added: “Also, big Trade Deal is possible once the UK gets rid of the shackles. Already starting to talk!”
He also has a close bond with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and has promised to organise a UK-US trade deal which would be of greater magnitude than any EU agreement.
