Last Wednesday, the 95-year-old Queen was admitted to hospital overnight for ‘preliminary investigations.’ While Palace aides gave no information as to any ailments or illnesses the Queen could be facing; they declared she remained in ‘good spirits’ and had been ordered to rest:
Discover our latest podcast
Following medical advice to rest for a few days, The Queen attended hospital on Wednesday afternoon for some preliminary investigations, returning to Windsor Castle at lunchtime today, and remains in good spirits.
Since then, the Queen has been carrying out light duties from her home at Windsor Castle. However, Her Majesty has had to cancel some larger appearances, such as her two day trip to Northern Ireland and now the COP26 conference in Glasgow.
Queen Elizabeth pulls out of COP26 after being advised to rest
A statement from the palace read: ‘Following advice to rest, the Queen has been undertaking light duties at Windsor Castle.’
Her Majesty has regretfully decided that she will no longer travel to Glasgow to attend the Evening Reception of COP26 on Monday, 1 November.
The statement added: ‘Her Majesty is disappointed not to attend the reception but will deliver an address to the assembled delegates via a recorded video message.’
A palace source revealed that the decision was made as a ‘sensible precaution’ following the Queen’s orders to rest and that she remains in ‘good spirits.’
It is also understood that the Queen wishes the COP26 conference to be a success and result in meaningful action from participating countries against climate change. Her Majesty also hopes that nobody will use her absence as an excuse not to attend.
Queen irritated at lack of action on climate change
Earlier this month, the Queen was overheard at the opening of the Welsh Parliament. Her Majesty commented that it was ‘really irritating’ to hear people talk about climate issues but not take any action.
Extraordinary isn’t it. I’ve been hearing all about Cop ... still don’t know who is coming. No idea. We only know about people who are not coming ... It’s really irritating when they talk, but they don’t do.
Prince William spoke to BBC Newscast earlier that day, raising a similar sentiment, warning attendees against ‘clever speak, clever words but not enough action.’ The Duke of Cambridge explained that the real issue is ‘to get action on the ground’ and urged world leaders to ‘communicate very clearly and very honestly what the problems are and what the solutions are going to be.’