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The Queen decided to make public her thoughts on the impending referendum on Scottish independence after a period of "reflection".
The Daily Telegraph newspaper claims she told aides on Saturday (13.09.14) that she intended to make her thoughts clear to the public the next day, having spent some time considering her position on the issue.
A source explained: "These things don't happen entirely spontaneously and obviously the Queen would give careful consideration to anything like this.
"It wasn't something she did on the spur of the moment - there was a little bit more reflection on her part before she decided to do something of such significance, but equally she was at great pains to make sure that anything that was said was on the right side of the fence in terms of what is constitutionally correct."
The Queen made her thoughts known to members of the public, appearing to suggest that she backs the United Kingdom - but the source says she did so knowing that it was likely to be picked up by national and international media.
The Queen said she hopes "people will think very carefully about the future" ahead of the independence referendum.
Queen spoke out on Scottish referendum after period of ‘reflection’
The Queen decided to make public her thoughts on the impending referendum on Scottish independence after a period of "reflection".
The Daily Telegraph newspaper claims she told aides on Saturday (13.09.14) that she intended to make her thoughts clear to the public the next day, having spent some time considering her position on the issue.
A source explained: "These things don't happen entirely spontaneously and obviously the Queen would give careful consideration to anything like this.
"It wasn't something she did on the spur of the moment - there was a little bit more reflection on her part before she decided to do something of such significance, but equally she was at great pains to make sure that anything that was said was on the right side of the fence in terms of what is constitutionally correct."
The Queen made her thoughts known to members of the public, appearing to suggest that she backs the United Kingdom - but the source says she did so knowing that it was likely to be picked up by national and international media.
The Queen said she hopes "people will think very carefully about the future" ahead of the independence referendum.
Royal

Prince Harry's ex-girlfriend Cressida Bonas was among those who turned out to support the Royal at the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games on Sunday evening (14.09.14).
The budding actress was spotted among the vast crowd at the event in London, where she was seen smiling and laughing with her friends including Princess Eugenie, who introduced her to Harry two years earlier.
Despite their split, the pair clearly remain good friends, as evidenced by the fact that Cressida, 25, flew straight back from a family wedding in Italy on Saturday to attend the event.
The previous day she was a guest at the wedding of Gabriella Anstruther-Gough-Calthorpe and Alan Pownall in Tellaro, Liguria.
Meanwhile, Harry has suggested that the Invictus Games could be staged outside London in the coming years.
He explained: "We've now got America showing interest in 2016 and Canada showing interest in 2017 so the question is what do we do next year?
"I personally, along with a couple of other people on the board, would love to keep it in the UK, maybe head north whether it be Glasgow, whether it be Sheffield, whether it be Manchester."
Cressida Bonas supports Prince Harry at Invictus Games
Prince Harry's ex-girlfriend Cressida Bonas was among those who turned out to support the Royal at the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games on Sunday evening (14.09.14).
The budding actress was spotted among the vast crowd at the event in London, where she was seen smiling and laughing with her friends including Princess Eugenie, who introduced her to Harry two years earlier.
Despite their split, the pair clearly remain good friends, as evidenced by the fact that Cressida, 25, flew straight back from a family wedding in Italy on Saturday to attend the event.
The previous day she was a guest at the wedding of Gabriella Anstruther-Gough-Calthorpe and Alan Pownall in Tellaro, Liguria.
Meanwhile, Harry has suggested that the Invictus Games could be staged outside London in the coming years.
He explained: "We've now got America showing interest in 2016 and Canada showing interest in 2017 so the question is what do we do next year?
"I personally, along with a couple of other people on the board, would love to keep it in the UK, maybe head north whether it be Glasgow, whether it be Sheffield, whether it be Manchester."
Royal

Alex Salmond, the First Minister of Scotland, says the Queen is impartial on the upcoming independence referendum.
Over the weekend, Her Majesty told members of the public that she hopes "people will think very carefully about the future", which has been widely interpreted as her backing the United Kingdom.
However, Salmond does not subscribe to that view, saying: "I think Her Majesty the Queen is absolutely impartial in this referendum. I thought the statement from Buckingham Palace last week made that totally clear.
"As a constitutional monarch she is completely impartial on these matters, that has been stated many times.
"Nobody seriously, apart from the more frenetic unionist press, would seek to persuade or tell people otherwise. And I look forward to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth being Queen of Scots."
The Palace has not pledged its support in an official capacity one way or the other, however a source has told the Daily Telegraph newspaper that the Queen was conscious of how her remarks would be perceived.
But a statement from the Palace read: "Any suggestion that the Queen would wish to influence the outcome of the current referendum campaign is categorically wrong. Her Majesty is simply of the view this is a matter for the people of Scotland."
Queen Elizabeth is ‘impartial on independence vote’
Alex Salmond, the First Minister of Scotland, says the Queen is impartial on the upcoming independence referendum.
Over the weekend, Her Majesty told members of the public that she hopes "people will think very carefully about the future", which has been widely interpreted as her backing the United Kingdom.
However, Salmond does not subscribe to that view, saying: "I think Her Majesty the Queen is absolutely impartial in this referendum. I thought the statement from Buckingham Palace last week made that totally clear.
"As a constitutional monarch she is completely impartial on these matters, that has been stated many times.
"Nobody seriously, apart from the more frenetic unionist press, would seek to persuade or tell people otherwise. And I look forward to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth being Queen of Scots."
The Palace has not pledged its support in an official capacity one way or the other, however a source has told the Daily Telegraph newspaper that the Queen was conscious of how her remarks would be perceived.
But a statement from the Palace read: "Any suggestion that the Queen would wish to influence the outcome of the current referendum campaign is categorically wrong. Her Majesty is simply of the view this is a matter for the people of Scotland."
Royal

Britain's Prince William is a fan of 'Downton Abbey'.
The heir heir to the throne confessed to actress Lily James - who plays rebellious Lady Rose - that he is a big fan of the period drama, while his wife Duchess' Catherine's sister Pippa Middleton also regularly tunes in.
'Downton' star Michelle Dockery told Radio Times magazine: "We bumped into Pippa [at the Wimbledon tennis tournament], who'd come on set a few years ago with her brother and watches the show.
"I'm forever overwhelmed by all the lovely things that happen as a result of being in this and Lily got to meet the Prince recently."
Lily added: "It was a charity event for the Royal Marsden hospital in May.
"Ralph Lauren did this thing at Windsor Castle with Prince William. He's a charmer and said he watches the show, which I'm sure he does."
While William and his family enjoy watching 'Downton Abbey', it has previously been revealed his stepmother, Duchess Camilla, is a big fan of 'Strictly Come Dancing' and has even visited the set of the popular celebrity dance contest as a guest of judge Craig Revel Horwood, who she has worked with on a number of charity projects.
A source said of her secret visit in 2011: "The visit was top secret but Craig thought it would give the remaining contestants and the crew a real boost if Camilla came down to watch them in action.
"The duchess is a big fan of the series and watches the show with her husband Prince Charles so she was very knowledgeable when she was watching the run through.
"None of the contestants could believe it when she walked in, but it certainly made them concentrate even more in the rehearsals and a few of the dancers seemed a bit starstruck."
Prince William likes Downton Abbey
Britain's Prince William is a fan of 'Downton Abbey'.
The heir heir to the throne confessed to actress Lily James - who plays rebellious Lady Rose - that he is a big fan of the period drama, while his wife Duchess' Catherine's sister Pippa Middleton also regularly tunes in.
'Downton' star Michelle Dockery told Radio Times magazine: "We bumped into Pippa [at the Wimbledon tennis tournament], who'd come on set a few years ago with her brother and watches the show.
"I'm forever overwhelmed by all the lovely things that happen as a result of being in this and Lily got to meet the Prince recently."
Lily added: "It was a charity event for the Royal Marsden hospital in May.
"Ralph Lauren did this thing at Windsor Castle with Prince William. He's a charmer and said he watches the show, which I'm sure he does."
While William and his family enjoy watching 'Downton Abbey', it has previously been revealed his stepmother, Duchess Camilla, is a big fan of 'Strictly Come Dancing' and has even visited the set of the popular celebrity dance contest as a guest of judge Craig Revel Horwood, who she has worked with on a number of charity projects.
A source said of her secret visit in 2011: "The visit was top secret but Craig thought it would give the remaining contestants and the crew a real boost if Camilla came down to watch them in action.
"The duchess is a big fan of the series and watches the show with her husband Prince Charles so she was very knowledgeable when she was watching the run through.
"None of the contestants could believe it when she walked in, but it certainly made them concentrate even more in the rehearsals and a few of the dancers seemed a bit starstruck."
Royal

Prince Harry says he and the Queen were both deeply moved by the Invictus Games.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the event staged in London, Prince Harry paid tribute to the injured servicemen and women who had taken part in the games, which featured competitors from 13 different countries.
Harry, for his part, delivered a long and heartfelt speech to close the games.
The Prince said the event the games had shown "the very best of the human spirit".
He explained: "These games have been about seeing guys sprinting for the finish line and then turning round to clap the last man in.
"They have been about team-mates choosing to cross the line together, not wanting to come second, but not wanting the other guys too either."
Meanwhile, the Queen said: "Prince Philip and I send our heartfelt congratulations to the organisers and supporters of this competition and most importantly to you men and women of the armed forces who have overcome great adversity just to take part in these games."
She added: "As I have followed the competition over the past four days, I have been deeply moved by your courage, determination and talent.
"All of you have used the power of sport to enhance your own recovery and to raise wider awareness of the enormous challenges faced by wounded veterans."
Royal Family hail Invictus Games
Prince Harry says he and the Queen were both deeply moved by the Invictus Games.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the event staged in London, Prince Harry paid tribute to the injured servicemen and women who had taken part in the games, which featured competitors from 13 different countries.
Harry, for his part, delivered a long and heartfelt speech to close the games.
The Prince said the event the games had shown "the very best of the human spirit".
He explained: "These games have been about seeing guys sprinting for the finish line and then turning round to clap the last man in.
"They have been about team-mates choosing to cross the line together, not wanting to come second, but not wanting the other guys too either."
Meanwhile, the Queen said: "Prince Philip and I send our heartfelt congratulations to the organisers and supporters of this competition and most importantly to you men and women of the armed forces who have overcome great adversity just to take part in these games."
She added: "As I have followed the competition over the past four days, I have been deeply moved by your courage, determination and talent.
"All of you have used the power of sport to enhance your own recovery and to raise wider awareness of the enormous challenges faced by wounded veterans."
Royal

Britain's Duchess Camilla has spoken for the first time about the moment she was told her brother had died.
The 67-year-old royal - the wife of Prince Charles - received the heartbreaking news about Mark Shand's passing "on a glorious early Spring day in Scotland."
In an article published in The Times newspaper, she said: "An anguished voice on the other end told me that something terrible had happened to my brother; my indestructible brother, Mark. Surely nothing could have happened to him? ... My charismatic and sometimes infuriating brother, who had survived tsunamis, shipwrecks, poisoned arrows and even the fearsome Komodo dragons, was no longer with us."
Mr. Shand sadly passed away in April after he fell and smashed his head on the pavement in New York after attending an auction for The Elephant Family charity, which he co-founded in 2002.
Camilla then went on to talk about her brother's passion for protecting Asian elephants, which began when he rescued Tara during a visit to India in 1988.
Speaking ahead of her sibling's memorial service yesterday (11.09.14), she said: "They embarked on a thousand mile journey across the north of India and by its finale he was in love. This was the start of his life-long passion for India and his quest for the survival of the Indian Elephant.
She added: "They say that elephants never forget; Tara never forgot him and neither will we..."
Duchess Camilla recalls brother’s death
Britain's Duchess Camilla has spoken for the first time about the moment she was told her brother had died.
The 67-year-old royal - the wife of Prince Charles - received the heartbreaking news about Mark Shand's passing "on a glorious early Spring day in Scotland."
In an article published in The Times newspaper, she said: "An anguished voice on the other end told me that something terrible had happened to my brother; my indestructible brother, Mark. Surely nothing could have happened to him? ... My charismatic and sometimes infuriating brother, who had survived tsunamis, shipwrecks, poisoned arrows and even the fearsome Komodo dragons, was no longer with us."
Mr. Shand sadly passed away in April after he fell and smashed his head on the pavement in New York after attending an auction for The Elephant Family charity, which he co-founded in 2002.
Camilla then went on to talk about her brother's passion for protecting Asian elephants, which began when he rescued Tara during a visit to India in 1988.
Speaking ahead of her sibling's memorial service yesterday (11.09.14), she said: "They embarked on a thousand mile journey across the north of India and by its finale he was in love. This was the start of his life-long passion for India and his quest for the survival of the Indian Elephant.
She added: "They say that elephants never forget; Tara never forgot him and neither will we..."
Royal

Queen Elizabeth's horse Estimate won the Doncaster Cup today (12.09.14).
The 88-year-old monarch will have no doubt been celebrating when her thoroughbred equine raced to victory in the flat race at Doncaster Racecourse, South Yorkshire, on Friday.
Following the horse's impressive win, the five-year-old filly's jockey Ryan Moore insisted the victory was never in doubt.
He said: "She was never going to get beat today, she travelled so sweetly. I never really had to ask her a serious question."
Estimate's trainer Sir Michael Stoute also heaped praise on the equine.
Speaking on 'Channel 4 Racing', he said: "She can be a bit narky. It was great seeing her win. Goodwood didn't suit her, it was a bit too firm for her."
Estimate's latest triumph comes after she failed to retain the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in June.
While she was cheered on by the queen, who took up her place in the Royal Box, the filly could only manage second place in the race, losing out to Irish contender Leading Light.
But Moore rode the horse to victory in the Royal Ascot showpiece in 2013, making it the first time the Gold Cup had been won by a reigning monarch.
Queen Elizabeth’s horse Estimate wins Doncaster Cup
Queen Elizabeth's horse Estimate won the Doncaster Cup today (12.09.14).
The 88-year-old monarch will have no doubt been celebrating when her thoroughbred equine raced to victory in the flat race at Doncaster Racecourse, South Yorkshire, on Friday.
Following the horse's impressive win, the five-year-old filly's jockey Ryan Moore insisted the victory was never in doubt.
He said: "She was never going to get beat today, she travelled so sweetly. I never really had to ask her a serious question."
Estimate's trainer Sir Michael Stoute also heaped praise on the equine.
Speaking on 'Channel 4 Racing', he said: "She can be a bit narky. It was great seeing her win. Goodwood didn't suit her, it was a bit too firm for her."
Estimate's latest triumph comes after she failed to retain the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in June.
While she was cheered on by the queen, who took up her place in the Royal Box, the filly could only manage second place in the race, losing out to Irish contender Leading Light.
But Moore rode the horse to victory in the Royal Ascot showpiece in 2013, making it the first time the Gold Cup had been won by a reigning monarch.
Royal

Britain's Princess Beatrice took part in the annual BGC Global Charity Day in London yesterday (11.09.14).
The 26-year-old royal - the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip - became a city trader for the day to raise money for the Elephant Family trust.
Taking to her Twitter account beforehand, she wrote: "Trading currency and electricty @BGCCharityDay for @elephantfamily today we remember it's founder Mark Shand (sic)."
The event, held at BGC's Canary Wharf offices, is held in memory of the 658 employees of BGC Partners, who died in the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre in Manhattan, New York, 13 years ago.
Samuel L. Jackson, Damian Lewis, Stephen Fry, Jonathan Ross, Jennifer Saunders and Yasmin Le Bon were also among the celebrities taking part in the event in the hope of raising funds for their chosen charities.
Last year, Prince William, 32, and Prince Harry, 29, took part in the fundraising event and had people in hysterics as they sealed large money deals.
Harry surprised workers with his stock broker talent as he finalised a £21billion FOREX trade, before joking that his brother wasn't doing his job properly.
Meanwhile, this year, Harry and William were busy attending the Invictus Games, a sporting event for injured servicemen and women, which is currently taking place in London until Sunday (14.09.14).
Princess Beatrice takes part in BGC charity event
Britain's Princess Beatrice took part in the annual BGC Global Charity Day in London yesterday (11.09.14).
The 26-year-old royal - the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip - became a city trader for the day to raise money for the Elephant Family trust.
Taking to her Twitter account beforehand, she wrote: "Trading currency and electricty @BGCCharityDay for @elephantfamily today we remember it's founder Mark Shand (sic)."
The event, held at BGC's Canary Wharf offices, is held in memory of the 658 employees of BGC Partners, who died in the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre in Manhattan, New York, 13 years ago.
Samuel L. Jackson, Damian Lewis, Stephen Fry, Jonathan Ross, Jennifer Saunders and Yasmin Le Bon were also among the celebrities taking part in the event in the hope of raising funds for their chosen charities.
Last year, Prince William, 32, and Prince Harry, 29, took part in the fundraising event and had people in hysterics as they sealed large money deals.
Harry surprised workers with his stock broker talent as he finalised a £21billion FOREX trade, before joking that his brother wasn't doing his job properly.
Meanwhile, this year, Harry and William were busy attending the Invictus Games, a sporting event for injured servicemen and women, which is currently taking place in London until Sunday (14.09.14).
Royal

Britain's Duchess of Cornwall paid tribute to her brother at his memorial service yesterday (11.09.14).
The 67-year-old royal was joined by her husband Prince Charles and other family members as they gathered at St Paul's Church in Knightsbridge, London, to remember Mark Shand, who died in April after he fell and smashed his head on the pavement in New York.
Duchess Camilla lead the tributes for her younger brother by reading the poem 'Farewell My Friends' by Gitanjali Ghei, before his sister Annabel Elliot read an extract from his book, 'Travels On My Elephant'.
Two of Mr Shand's friends, Henry Wyndham and Don McCullin, gave personal tributes during the service, before his 19-year-old daughter Ayesha, finished off the eulogies by reading a poem she had written.
Speaking after the ceremony, comedian Stephen Fry described the service, which was attended by 750 mourners, as "wonderful" and "extremely funny."
He said of Mr Shand: "A traveller and a rogue and an establishment figure of course in some ways, by birth.
"He was a renegade and he cared not more or less for royalty or for dukes or dustmen, as you might say."
The mourners also included Yasmin Le Bon, Bianca Jagger, Princess Beatrice, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and Jemima Khan.
Mr Shand was known for his dedication to protecting the Asian elephant and since his passing, conservation charity Elephant Family has launched the Mark Shand Memorial Fund, which will raise money for the cause.
Duchess of Cornwall pays tribute to brother at memorial service
Britain's Duchess of Cornwall paid tribute to her brother at his memorial service yesterday (11.09.14).
The 67-year-old royal was joined by her husband Prince Charles and other family members as they gathered at St Paul's Church in Knightsbridge, London, to remember Mark Shand, who died in April after he fell and smashed his head on the pavement in New York.
Duchess Camilla lead the tributes for her younger brother by reading the poem 'Farewell My Friends' by Gitanjali Ghei, before his sister Annabel Elliot read an extract from his book, 'Travels On My Elephant'.
Two of Mr Shand's friends, Henry Wyndham and Don McCullin, gave personal tributes during the service, before his 19-year-old daughter Ayesha, finished off the eulogies by reading a poem she had written.
Speaking after the ceremony, comedian Stephen Fry described the service, which was attended by 750 mourners, as "wonderful" and "extremely funny."
He said of Mr Shand: "A traveller and a rogue and an establishment figure of course in some ways, by birth.
"He was a renegade and he cared not more or less for royalty or for dukes or dustmen, as you might say."
The mourners also included Yasmin Le Bon, Bianca Jagger, Princess Beatrice, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and Jemima Khan.
Mr Shand was known for his dedication to protecting the Asian elephant and since his passing, conservation charity Elephant Family has launched the Mark Shand Memorial Fund, which will raise money for the cause.
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