Britain’s Queen Elizabeth has pulled out of the COP26 conference in Glasgow next week after doctors advised her to rest, Buckingham Palace said, in a blow to the United Nations climate summit.

A palace source said the decision not to attend was taken as a “sensible precaution” and let everyone know in advance.

According to the source, the 95-year-old queen remains in good spirits and wants COP26 to be a success.

“Following advice to rest, the queen has been undertaking light duties at Windsor Castle,” Buckingham Palace said. “Her Majesty has regretfully decided that she will no longer travel to Glasgow to attend the Evening Reception of COP26 on Monday, November 1.”

The world’s oldest and longest-reigning monarch stayed overnight in hospital on Wednesday after undergoing “preliminary investigations” for an unspecified but not COVID-19 related ailment.

Aides gave no details on what had prompted the medical attention, which followed the cancellation of a visit to Northern Ireland, and some royal correspondents said they hoped the official version of events painted the full picture.

She carried out her first official engagement since the hospital stay earlier on Tuesday, holding two virtual audiences to welcome new ambassadors to Britain from South Korea and Switzerland.

Elizabeth, the queen of 15 other realms including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand and next year, celebrates 70 years on the throne, is known for her robust health.

Last Tuesday, she hosted a drinks reception at Windsor Castle for billionaire business leaders, including Bill Gates, attending a green investment conference ahead of COP26.
News of the cancellation is likely to raise concerns about her health.

She was recently overheard saying she was irritated by world leaders who talked about climate change but did nothing to tackle it.

The queen had been due to attend an evening event next Monday at the conference where world leaders will meet, including U.S. President Joe Biden and the prime ministers of Britain, Australia, and India.

She will deliver an address to the assembled delegates via a recorded message, the palace added. Elizabeth’s son and heir, Prince Charles, and his eldest son, Prince William, are still due to attend.

Britain has cast COP26, which begins on October 31, as the last big chance to slow rising temperatures, and it hopes to persuade leaders to adopt tougher climate targets.

However, Chinese President Xi Jinping is not expected to attend, and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is also not coming.

(Reuters/NAN)