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You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/sep/19/queen-uk-respect-scottish-independence-referendum
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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
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| Queen says UK will respect result of Scottish independence referendum | Queen says UK will respect result of Scottish independence referendum |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| The Queen has welcomed Scotland’s vote to stay as part of the UK as “a result that all of us throughout the United Kingdom will respect”. | The Queen has welcomed Scotland’s vote to stay as part of the UK as “a result that all of us throughout the United Kingdom will respect”. |
| In a rare personal statement, issued from Balmoral, her Scottish estate, she acknowledged there would be “strong feelings” both in Scotland and the rest of Britain, but urged parties to come together. | |
| The statement, signed Elizabeth R, read: “After many months of discussion, debate, and careful thought, we now know the outcome of the referendum, and it is a result that all of us throughout the United Kingdom will respect.” | The statement, signed Elizabeth R, read: “After many months of discussion, debate, and careful thought, we now know the outcome of the referendum, and it is a result that all of us throughout the United Kingdom will respect.” |
| It added: “For many in Scotland and elsewhere today, there will be strong feelings and contrasting emotions – among family, friends and neighbours. That, of course, is the nature of the robust democratic tradition we enjoy in this country. But I have no doubt that these emotions will be tempered by an understanding of the feelings of others. | It added: “For many in Scotland and elsewhere today, there will be strong feelings and contrasting emotions – among family, friends and neighbours. That, of course, is the nature of the robust democratic tradition we enjoy in this country. But I have no doubt that these emotions will be tempered by an understanding of the feelings of others. |
| “Now, as we move forward, we should remember that despite the range of views that have been expressed, we have in common an enduring love of Scotland, which is one of the things that helps to unite us all. | |
| “Knowing the people of Scotland as I do, I have no doubt that Scots, like others throughout the United Kingdom, are able to express strongly held opinions before coming together again in a spirit of mutual respect and support, to work constructively for the future of Scotland and indeed all parts of this country. | |
| “My family and I will do all we can to help and support you in this important task.“ | “My family and I will do all we can to help and support you in this important task.“ |
| Just four days before the poll, the Queen expressed her desire, in a conversation with a well-wisher outside the church she attends at Balmoral, that people “think very carefully” before voting. Some interpreted the comment as indicating she was hoping for a no vote. | Just four days before the poll, the Queen expressed her desire, in a conversation with a well-wisher outside the church she attends at Balmoral, that people “think very carefully” before voting. Some interpreted the comment as indicating she was hoping for a no vote. |
| It is not known how much of the referendum results she watched personally or at what time she learned that the no vote was victorious. | |
| Buckingham Palace officials simply maintained that she had followed the campaign very closely throughout. Her private office at Balmoral was kept regularly updated by officials in London and Edinburgh as the counting began and the votes were announced. |