THE Scottish Greens have responded to claims the Queen wants to spend more time in Scotland to bolster backing for the Union.
The 96-year-old monarch has reportedly told palace insiders she does not want to see Scotland leave the UK under her watch – with another independence referendum expected by 2024.
Royal sources say the Queen plans to spend more time in Scotland than usual as the campaign to secure indyref2 heats up.
A royal source told the Sun on Sunday: “Protocol prevents her from expressing a political opinion but she wants the people of Scotland to know of her wish that they reject independence.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon confident of Yes victory in 2023 independence referendum
"The country and Balmoral has been an incredibly important part of her life. She has always been keen to stress that she is the Queen of the entire UK."
The Scottish Greens have said the reports suggest the Queen has a better grasp of the climate in Scotland than the Prime Minister.
A spokesperson for the party said: "We welcome the recognition from the palace that a referendum on independence will take place, and advise royal sources to inform Boris Johnson.”
It is not the first time the independence debate has seen alleged royal interventions.
In the run-up to the 2014 independence referendum, the Queen told a royal follower outside Crathie Kirk, near Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire: “Well, I hope people will think very carefully about the future.”
And then-prime minister David Cameron found himself at the centre of controversy when he claimed Elizabeth “purred” down the phone when he rang her to tell her Scotland had voted to remain in the UK.
READ MORE: Outrage as Labour peer George Foulkes claims Scots 'not a language'
Nicola Sturgeon has said the Scottish Government will hold a second independence referendum by the end of 2023.
But she faces challenges such as securing permission from a hostile UK Government and it’s suspected the fight could end up in the courts.
This year marks the Platinum Jubilee of the Queen’s reign.
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