MOSCOW, September 19 (RIA Novosti) - Queen Elizabeth II called for UK countries to come together and show mutual respect, following the Scottish referendum, where the majority voted to remain a part of the United Kingdom.
"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," the Queen said in a statement issued by Buckingham Palace, adding that the Royal Family will do "all they can to contribute to this difficult task".
Many Britons will feel "contrasting emotions" following the referendum, the Queen recognized, noting that this "is the nature of the robust democratic tradition we enjoy in this country".
However, any disagreements "will be tempered by an understanding of the feelings of others," the 88-year-old monarch believes.
The Scottish independence referendum took place on September 18, with 55.3 percent of Scots supporting a No vote, resulting in Scotland remaining a part of the United Kingdom. Scottish independence was supported by 44.7 percent of the population.
