Queen advises Scots to think 'about the future'

LONDON, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- Queen Elizabeth strongly encouraged Scots to "think very carefully about the future" as they approach the Scottish referendum vote on Thursday.

The queen made her comments Sunday during a stay at her Balmoral retreat in Scotland. It is the first time she has made any sort of public statement regarding the prospect of Scottish independence.

Although she has remained reserved on the issue, palace officials have reportedly said she is "horrified" at the idea of Scotland breaking away, reported USA Today.

Polls have been showing the vote will likely be very tight. U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron and party leaders have been visiting Scotland in a campaign to encourage it to stay as part of the U.K.