"In our lives, we have seen the worst but also the best of our continent. We have witnessed how quickly things can change for the better. But we know that we must work hard to maintain the benefits of the post-war world. We know that division in Europe is dangerous and that we must guard against it in the west, as well as in the east, of our continent. That remains a common endeavour."

Queen Elizabeth II sharing her views on challenges facing Europe during four-day visit to Germany which started on Wednesday.

Buckingham palace officials were later quoted by the BBC as saying that. "This is not about the EU. The queen is apolitical. She would never make a political point."