government policy

In Aberdeen though, the heart of the UK's energy industry, there is a great deal of nervousness about the potential impact of the decision in this case, and about the wider impact of government policy on the sector.

But it is also one that is expected to garner him influence over government policy - and the regulatory environment his enterprises exist in.

A Conservative spokesperson said: “Government policy was in no way influenced by the donations the party received – they are entirely separate.”

Monarchs speak on the advice of ministers - and on a question of such political sensitivity, his speeches will have to stay within the boundaries of government policy.

But in keeping with government policy, there was nothing that could be pinned down as an explicit apology.