Queen of Scots, but for how long?

Scottish separatists say they will keep Queen Elizabeth II if the country votes Thursday to leave the United Kingdom, but some question how secure the monarchy would be post-independence.

Members of First Minister Alex Salmond's separatist Scottish National Party government have said that if independence wins it should be up to the people to decide whether to keep the queen.

The independence campaign's chairman Dennis Canavan has even called for an early referendum on dumping the royals, calling hereditary monarchy an "affront to democracy and a complete anachronism".

The queen's 15 realms outside Britain -- Australia, Canada and New Zealand included -- have a viceroy and some experts suggest Scotland would likewise need a governor-general for permanent in-country representation and to avoid the queen directly receiving conflicting advice from her governments.

Queen Elizabeth was reported to tell a well-wisher on Sunday "I hope people will think very carefully about the future" after attending a church service near her Balmoral estate in Scotland.

Some newspapers suggest the 88-year-old monarch is "horrified" at the prospect of her kingdom breaking in two.

Buckingham Palace has only spoken officially to stress her constitutional impartiality and view that it is a matter for the people of Scotland.