Queen Elizabeth II on Friday made a plea for "common ground" amid ongoing uncertainty over the vexed negotiations for the UK's planned exit from the European Union (EU) in March.
The 92-year-old monarch, who is apolitical in her role as head of state, did not make a direct reference to Brexit and the government's controversial Withdrawal Agreement which failed to clear Parliament earlier this month.
However, a speech she made at the centenary of the Sandringham Women's Institute was inevitably seen as her indirect intervention in the crucial debate in the House of Commons where MPs are due to vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal on leaving the EU next week.
"The continued emphasis on patience, friendship, a strong community focus, and considering the needs of others, are as important today as they were when the group was founded all those years ago. Of course, every generation faces fresh challenges and opportunities," said the Queen in her speech.
"As we look for new answers in the modern age, I for one prefer the tried and tested recipes, like speaking well of each other and respecting different points of view; coming together to seek out the common ground; and never losing sight of the bigger picture," she said.
The monarch added that such approaches were "timeless, and I commend them to everyone".
Her plea for common ground touched on the same issues as her annual Christmas message, in which she urged people to treat others with respect "even with the most deeply held differences".
Downing Street declined to comment directly on the Queen's latest remarks, with a spokesperson for British Prime Minister Theresa May saying: "The Prime Minister's own view is that we should always show great respect for the point of view of others."
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