The queen will not attend the COP26 climate change summit

The Queen will not attend the COP26 climate change summit in Glasgow after receiving doctors’ advice to rest.

The 95-year-old monarch underwent preliminary medical checks in hospital last Wednesday after canceling a visit to Northern Ireland.

He resumed public engagements on Tuesday, meeting with ambassadors via video link from Windsor Castle.

Buckingham Palace said it “regretfully” decided not to attend a summit reception.

But the palace said it would deliver his address to delegates using a recorded video message instead.

It is understood that the Queen strongly desires COP26 to translate into meaningful action on climate change by participating nations and hopes her absence will not be used by others as a reason for not participating.

The queen was heard at the opening of the Welsh parliament earlier this month saying she was “really annoying” when people talk but don’t act on climate issues.

In photographs posted on Tuesday, the Queen was seen smiling in front of the camera as she greeted the South Korean and Swiss ambassadors, who were speaking to her from Buckingham Palace.

It was the first time it had been seen since it hosted a Global Investment Summit at Windsor Castle on the evening of 19 October.

The following day, Buckingham Palace claimed that the monarch had “reluctantly accepted medical advice to rest for the next few days”.

A canceled trip to Northern Ireland and a night in the hospital last week were followed by reassurances that this would only mean a rest and recharging of real batteries ahead of the COP26 summit.

That trip to Glasgow was also canceled. It was a big moment in the royal calendar and it’s a decision that wouldn’t have been made lightly.

Only this morning the 95-year-old queen was taken back to work sending a signal that all was well.

His meetings today were held on video – and a video message will be sent to the Glasgow Summit – so perhaps this will be more than we will see the monarch in the future.

It will be more online, while those online will take on more public responsibilities.

He spent the night of October 20 in the hospital before returning the next day to Windsor Castle, where he was said to be “in a good mood”.

In its latest statement, the palace said, “Following the advice to rest, the queen performed light duties at Windsor Castle.

“Her Majesty has decided with regret that she will no longer travel to Glasgow to attend the COP26 evening reception on Monday 1 November”.

The COP26 world climate summit in Glasgow in November is seen as crucial if climate change is to be kept under control. Nearly 200 countries are being asked for their plans to reduce emissions and this could lead to major changes in our daily lives.

The statement concluded: “Her Majesty is sorry not to attend the reception, but she will deliver an address to the assembled delegates via a recorded video message.”

The queen is expected to continue to carry out light duties, including speaking to Chancellor Rishi Sunak before Wednesday’s budget, a long-standing tradition.