Prince Charles says ‘no country is an island’ in breach of royal protocol before Brexit

Prince Charles has made a passionate call on our European neighbors to continue working together within weeks of Brexit, saying “no man is an island.”

In a dramatic break with royal tradition, the heir made his most direct reference to date to Britain’s decision to leave the European Union, praising the bonds of friendship, culture and values ​​shared during a visit to the National Day of Mourning of Germany in Berlin.

Speaking in the German parliament, the Bundestag, the Prince of Wales said that politicians and officials may be negotiating the “form” of the relationship of the two nations, but that their “essence” is due to the “connection” between their people. .

Charles echoed the famous words of the poet John Donne when he said that “no country is really an island” and told guests that our destinations would remain “interdependent” to a “considerable degree”.

Charles said: “The UK has chosen a future outside the European Union and the relationship between our countries is evolving once again.

“Its form is a matter negotiated between our governments and its essence is defined by the enduring connections between our people.

“Therefore, I sincerely believe that the fundamental bond between us will remain strong: we will always be friends, partners and allies.

“As our countries begin this new chapter in our long history, let us reaffirm our bond for years to come.”

On a historic visit marking the first time that a member of the royal family has attended the annual Remembrance Day event in the German capital, Charles, who delivered much of his speech in German, said: “The English poet John Donne he famously wrote that “no man is an entire island unto himself. Each man is a piece of the continent, a part of the continent “.

“It could also be said that no country is really an island, except in the totally literal sense.

“Our stories bind us closely and our destinies, while each is ours to forge, are interdependent to a considerable degree.”

Coronavirus restrictions meant that a small number of dignitaries, including the Duchess of Cornwall, were invited and all sat in masks and socially estranged in the parliamentary chamber.

Earlier in the day, Charles and Camilla attended the Neue Wache – New Guard – home of the Central Monument of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Victims of War and Tyranny.

The royal couple laid wreaths in the German tradition of symbolically ordering the ribbons, before a moment of silence and a solo trumpeter playing The Good Comrade.

But it was the heir’s speech later in the day that sparked interest on both sides of the political divide, following comments last week by the UK’s top Brexit negotiator suggesting that a trade deal with the EU it may not be successful as the talks progress. on wire this week.

Charles has spoken out more and more in recent years about the world’s need to act together on climate change, but he has never made such a clear reference to the Brexit debate.

The Queen has made several subtle references to Britain’s decision to leave the EU, which will end on January 1, most notably last January when she spoke of the virtues of “respecting” the other person’s point of view, as Parliament remained deeply divided on the issue of Britain’s exit from the EU.

The monarch called for “common ground” and “never lose sight of the big picture” in a speech to mark the 100th anniversary of the Sandringham Women’s Institute (WI), widely interpreted as a veiled reference to the debate around Brexit.

He echoed his previous Christmas speech when he touched on the same topic, telling the nation: “Even with the deepest differences, treating the other person with respect and as a human being is always a good first step toward greater understanding”.

This year’s Prince William also commented on the changing relationship of the UK and the EU during a visit to Dublin in March, saying that Brexit will require people to “work together” to ensure that relations between Ireland and the UK continue. being “just as strong”.

He added: “Legal treaties are vital to shore up relations between states. But relationships between people are equally, if not more essential, especially between the people of our two countries, whose lives, histories and futures are so deeply intertwined. “

Conservative MP Steve Baker, a prominent Brexit supporter, said: “Of course Prince Charles is absolutely right on this and for that I am grateful to have enjoyed constructive and friendly meetings with current and former German ambassadors.

“Only by speaking frankly as friends and future partners can we transcend the sorrows of the recent and distant past.”

However, the anti-monarchy campaign group Republic questioned Charles CEO Graham Smith, saying: “Charles’s comments may sound rather benign, but there is clearly a political message here.

“Charles has a responsibility to stay out of politics, and Britain’s relationship with Europe is one of the biggest political problems out there at the moment.

“If a monarch or future monarch appears to sympathize with a particular political project, that can only serve to deepen the divisions, not to heal them.

“A responsible head of state would be free to speak up as a way to bring people together.

“Charles will only cause trouble if he seems to be getting into a controversy.”

The royal family returned home Sunday night after the two-day visit.