Prince risks row in British partnership speech
THE Duke of Cambridge risked controversy yesterday by hailing the benefits of Britain’s partnerships with other nations.
The timing, as David Cameron sought support for his EU reform package in Brussels, has upset Eurosceptics who want Britain to cut ties with Brussels.
In his speech to British diplomats at the Foreign Office, Prince William, 33, did not mention the European Union by name.
But he said: “In an increasingly turbulent world, our ability to unite in common action with other nations is essential. It is the bedrock of our security and prosperity and is central to your work.
“Right now, the big questions with which you wrestle – in the UN, NATO, the Middle East and elsewhere – are predicated on your commitment to working in partnership with others.”
He added: “For centuries, Britain has been an outward looking nation. Hemmed in by sea, we have always sought to explore what is beyond the horizon... wherever we go, we have a long and proud tradition of seeking out allies and partners.”
A Kensington Palace spokesman later insisted: “The speech was not about Europe.”
Some Eurosceptics, however, were reminded of a speech by the Queen at a State Banquet attended by Mr Cam- eron and the German chancellor Angela Merkel last year when the monarch warned that division in Europe was dangerous and emphasised Britain’s key part in shaping the modern continent.
Buckingham Palace insisted she remained politically neutral but her comments were interpreted by Eurosceptics as a plea for Britain to remain in the EU.
During run- up to the Scottish independence referendum in September 2014, she told well- wishers at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral four days before the vote: “Well, I hope people will think very carefully about the future.”
That remark was interpreted as a warning against voting for independence.