Buckingham Palace has taken the extraordinary step of publicly refuting claims made by former US President Donald Trump, in a move that underscores the serious breach of diplomatic and royal protocol.
The controversy erupted during Trump's speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), where he asserted he had struck a clandestine agreement with the late Queen Elizabeth II to offer his full-throated support for Brexit. The claim has sent shockwaves through Westminster and royal circles.
A Rare Royal Rebuke
Palace sources have delivered a swift and unequivocal denial, branding the former President's account of events as "categorically false" and "outrageous." Such a direct and public dismissal from the monarch's communications team is almost unheard of, highlighting the severity with which they view the allegations.
Trump told the cheering CPAC audience a detailed story of his 2019 State Visit, suggesting the Queen had quizzed him on his views about Brexit. He claimed she then whispered, "I'd like to thank you because you were right about Brexit." He further alleged this exchange formed the basis of a "secret deal" between them.
Breach of Trust and Protocol
Insiders have expressed profound dismay at the remarks, which are seen as a gross violation of the private nature of conversations with the Head of State. The Queen was renowned for her unwavering political neutrality throughout her 70-year reign, a cornerstone of the British constitutional monarchy.
To suggest she would privately endorse a deeply divisive political campaign like Brexit, let alone form a pact with a foreign leader about it, is considered deeply damaging and disrespectful to her legacy.
Farage and the Fallout
Adding fuel to the fire, Trump used the same speech to wade into UK politics by endorsing Nigel Farage. He urged the Conservative party to "get together with Nigel" and praised him as a "smart person." This unsolicited political advice from a foreign figure is likely to cause further irritation within Downing Street.
The combination of exploiting a private meeting with the late Queen for political point-scoring and meddling in domestic affairs has created a significant diplomatic headache, testing the famed "special relationship.”
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance the Royal Family must maintain and the intense global scrutiny it faces, even from its closest allies.
