Was Queen's Germany speech pro-EU?
- Published
Two heads of state - one elected, one hereditary - delivered two rather different speeches.
Germany's President Gauck had no difficulty echoing the position of his prime minister that they would assist Britain in order to keep her in Europe.
The Queen - who her aides insist is apolitical - wasn't there to actively and openly assist David Cameron in his bid to renegotiate the UK's EU membership.
Those around her say the British monarch's words were about Europe, not the EU.
She was able to draw on her personal wartime experience to highlight the advantages of unity and the perils of division.
There's no denying the content was pro-European; this was a British head of state highlighting the value of her country's place at the heart of the continent.
Such words won't harm if, when the time comes, David Cameron decides to back a Yes vote in the in/out EU referendum.