THE Queen today made a secret visit to MI5 to thank spies for keeping the UK safe.
The 93-year-old monarch praised the “remarkable resolve” shown by those who could never be publicly recognised as she toured the agency’s HQ in London.
She was this morning seen speaking with Director General Andrew Parker after the visit to the Thames House in the capital.
Her Majesty wore a burgundy coat for her visit today, complete with a matching hat and flowers.
In a statement released after the visit, the Queen thanked the country’s spies for their “tireless work”.
She said: “I am always struck by the remarkable resolve with which you carry out your vital role. There will no doubt continue to be significant threats and challenges ahead.
“But on each of my visits to MI5, I have been impressed by the way that you have adapted to the changing threats to our nation.
“Whether responding to the threats from the Nazis or the Cold War, domestic terrorism or the cyber sphere, you have always demonstrated the utmost commitment to your motto: ‘Regnum Defende’.
“Because of the nature of your work, it is without public recognition, so it is on behalf of the country that I say to you all, thank you.”
The M15 – whose motto Regnum Defende is Latin for defence of the realm – works to protect the UK by gathering intelligence outside the country.
It lists the main threats that it tackles to national security to include “terrorism, espionage, cyber threats and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction”.
And The Queen seemed in a stoic mood for her visit today amid her own family’s tumultuous week that saw Meghan Markle and Prince Harry admit they would not be allowed to use the term Royal after quitting the Firm.
As part of the Megxit deal, Harry must ditch his honorary military positions for at least 12 months.
They have been allowed to keep their HRH titles but have been forced to accept that they will not use them publicly as they tout for business around the globe.
The Sussexes have already agreed to repay the 2.4million of taxpayers money used to refurbish their Frogmore Cottage home in Windsor and are expected to pay a commercial rent for it of about 30,000 a month.
