Jane Onyanga-Omara

USA TODAY

LONDON — The United Kingdom's most prominent figure has remained steadfastly silent amid the controversy and chaos surrounding the country's vote to leave the European Union: Queen Elizabeth II.

That's because the queen is supposed to steer clear of political issues — and she's been faithful to that role so far concerning Britain's historic vote last Thursday to exit — “Brexit” — the EU.

“As Head of State, the Queen has to remain strictly neutral with respect to political matters, unable to vote or stand for election,” the British monarchy explains on its website.

The British tabloid newspaper The Sun ran foul of the monarchy during the campaign for and against leaving the bloc when it published a front page article that said the queen favored “leave.”

The Independent Press Standards Organization ruled that the paper breached media regulations after Buckingham Palace complained to it about the story.

UK PM David Cameron to meet EU leaders in Brussels

After the Brexit referendum passed in a surprise outcome, 52% to 48%, it triggered instant turmoil within the country’s political leadership. Prime Minister David Cameron, who campaigned to remain in the 28-nation EU, announced Monday that he will step down within the next four months. Scotland's leader, Nicola Sturgeon, said she was exploring possible ways to stay in the bloc after a majority of Scots voted to remain. One possibility is to hold a second referendum for Scottish independence. An independence vote in 2014 failed.

The royals appear to be keeping calm and carrying on — as is the British way — in the face of uncertainty over the United Kingdom’s future.

On Monday, the queen met Northern Ireland leaders Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness on a two-day visit to the region. A majority of Northern Ireland voters, like Scots, voted to remain.

The queen told McGuinness there had been “quite a lot going on" recently, according to the BBC. "I've had two birthdays which have been quite busy," said the queen, the longest serving monarch in British history and the first to reach 90. Her birthday was in April and the day was celebrated again in June.

Next week, the queen and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, will take part in Holyrood Week — an annual visit to different parts of Scotland, where she will meet Scots from all walks of life.