Amid Brexit turmoil, Queen Elizabeth hints at ‘economic ties’ between US, Britain during Trump visit

As the American mainstream media did its best to smear President Donald Trump with negative headlines during his state visit to the U.K., Queen Elizabeth II welcomed Trump to Buckingham Palace on Monday, and appeared to hint at a possible Brexit deal between Britain and the United States. As Britain braces for its exit from the European Union, the monarch alluded to “economic ties” between the two countries during her speech at a state banquet with Trump, according to Sky News royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills.

The Queen’s veiled reference comes as Trump talks up a possible post-Brexit deal between the two nations.

Queen Elizabeth hints at Brexit deal

Just days before D-Day, Queen Elizabeth lauded the international system of co-operation that has kept the world from plunging again into world war and affirmed the “strong cultural links and shared heritage” between the United States and United Kingdom. She added the two countries were “bound by the strength and breadth of our economic ties.” Mills interpreted the comments as a veiled reference to a possible Brexit deal with the United States.

“Interestingly within her speech she spoke about the important economic and business links between the two countries. So in a quiet way alluding to the difficult problems that the UK is currently facing when it comes to Brexit and wanting to negotiate a deal with the United States going forward,” Mills said.

Trump flattered the Queen in his own speech at Buckingham Palace. The boisterous Trump, who only that morning had called London’s mayor Sadiq Khan a “stone cold loser,” adopted a subdued tone in the presence of royalty.

“In April 1945 newspapers featured a picture of the Queen Mother visiting the woman’s branch of the army, watching a young woman repair a military truck engine. That young mechanic was the future Queen. A great, great woman,” Trump said.

The Queen finished by toasting to “continued friendship between our two nations, and to the health, prosperity and happiness of the people of the United States.”

The stately air at Buckingham Palace made for a contrast with the protests and insults that marked the Trumps’ arrival. In a weekend column that preceded Trump’s visit, London’s leftist mayor compared Trump to 20th-century dictators. Trump fired back Monday, saying Khan reminded him of “our very dumb and incompetent” New York City mayor Bill de Blasio, except shorter.

Britain braces for Brexit

The Queen traditionally remains politically neutral, but her speech comes at a time of turmoil for Britain. With Brexit looming on October 31, Britain’s trade relationship with America will become more important than ever.

Trump’s visit comes as anger over Britain’s failure to leave the EU has pushed prime minister Theresa May out of power, while strengthening pro-Brexit sentiment. With the end of May, two of Brexit’s architects, Brexit party founder Nigel Farage and ex-Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, are on the rise. Johnson is the presumed favorite to replace May, while Farage’s new Brexit party, ironically, swept the competition in recent European Parliament elections.

Trump has not shied away from weighing in on British politics since the U.K.’s historic Brexit vote. This week, Trump endorsed Johnson in the race to succeed May, praised Farage, and floating the possibility of a trade deal in an interview with The Sunday Times published Sunday. Trump also urged Britain to send Farage to negotiate Brexit.

On Twitter Monday, Trump mentioned a possible trade deal with the U.K. once the country loses its “shackles,” and at a press conference with May Tuesday, affirmed his support for Brexit and a trade deal. Trump also had some kind words for May, who he previously criticized for her handling of Brexit,  saying that she deserves a “lot of credit.” The president urged May, who is stepping down this week, to “stick around” for a new deal.

“We’re going to have a great and comprehensive trade deal,” the president said.