The Queen, Brexit, and a Controversial Prorogation

In the summer of 2019, during the Brexit crisis, Boris Johnson requested that the late Queen Elizabeth II suspend Parliament. This move, detailed in a new book by royal author Valentine Low, was part of a political strategy. The author notes that the plan was "highly controversial" as it aimed to "prorogue parliament for five weeks" to prevent those who opposed Brexit from passing legislation that would block a no-deal scenario.

The Palace, according to accounts, was displeased with the request, particularly because it occurred during Queen Elizabeth II's summer break at Balmoral in Scotland. The Palace felt they were not properly informed and prepared for the situation. The formal opening of Parliament is always conducted by the sovereign, acting on the advice of the privy council, and takes effect when a royal proclamation is read.

Jacob Rees-Mogg traveled to Balmoral to discuss the plans with the Queen. A royal source indicated that the late Queen handled the situation with composure. However, there was considerable unease within the Palace about the awkward position she was placed in. Some Whitehall sources questioned why the Palace didn't attempt to delay the process, even if only to gain time to understand the situation.

Historian Peter Hennessy believes the constitution depends on a shared understanding of appropriate conduct in public and political life, which includes avoiding actions that could embarrass the monarch. The prorogation, he stated, was certain to embarrass the Queen due to the divisions it would create. The Palace was deeply troubled by the situation. On September 24, 2019, the Supreme Court ruled the advice to prorogue Parliament unlawful. Sir John Major called for an apology from Johnson. The late Queen's reaction was reportedly more "sanguine," viewing Boris as a somewhat comical figure. She later remarked that he might be better suited to the stage.