The Queen has called for people to find “common ground” and “respect different points of view” in an apparent reference to Brexit, as MPs prepare for a fresh battle in parliament next week.
Echoing the message of her Christmas Day address, the monarch delivered the remarks in a speech to mark the centenary of the Sandringham Women’s Institute (WI).
As head of state, the Queen remains publicly neutral when it comes to political matters and does not express her views on issues.
But commentators were likely to see her words as a nod to the toxic mood of the public debate around Britain leaving the EU.
Parliament remains deeply divided over the way forward, with politicians on all sides engaged in bitter wrangling as the date for Britain leaving the EU – March 29 – draws ever closer.
Prime Minister Theresa May is still vying for widespread political backing for a Brexit plan that could command a majority in the Commons, after her initial draft deal was overwhelmingly rejected by MPs last week.
The Queen, who is president of the Sandringham WI, said: “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.
“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 these approaches were “timeless, and I commend them to everyone”.
In her Christmas address the Queen touched on the same theme, telling the nation: “Even with the most deeply held differences, treating the other person with respect and as a fellow human being is always a good first step towards greater understanding.”
The Queen attends a meeting of the her local WI once a year at West Newton village hall as part of her winter stay on her Norfolk estate.