Queen Elizabeth II’s touching COP26 speech fails to mention Prince Harry
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Queen Elizabeth II’s touching COP26 speech fails to mention Prince Harry
Queen Elizabeth II failed to mention Prince Harry in her video message to address the world leaders attending the COP26 in Glasgow, a mistake that had Her Majesty herself raise eyebrows.
The Queen’s full speech at the COP26 evening reception.
As the UN Climate Change Conference pushes through from the G20 Rome Summit to Glasgow, world leaders have been discussing their next steps to combat the global challenges of climate change.
The Queen was unfortunately not in attendance to lead the royal family in the conference as concerns about her health had left her following the doctors’ advice to take a rest.
In lieu of her absence, the Queen was represented by Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Prince Charles, who earlier gave a moving speech at the Rome Summit, represented the Queen at the COP26. Credit: Daniel Leal-Olivas - Pool / Getty Images.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were also in attendance at the COP26 in Glasgow City to represent the Queen. Credit: Daniel Leal-Olivas - Pool / Getty Images.
Speaking from Windsor Castle, the 95-year-old monarch told global leaders that now is "the time for action" on climate change, calling on them to create a "safer, stabler future" for the planet.
In her video address, The Queen revealed she “couldn’t be more proud” of her son, Prince Charles, and eldest grandson, Prince William. Her Majesty also praised the environmental efforts of her late husband, Prince Philip. However, the Queen did not mention Prince Harry's name in her address.
The Queen said: “It is a source of great pride to me that the leading role my husband played in encouraging people to protect our fragile planet, lives on through the work of our eldest son Charles and his eldest son William."
“I could not be more proud of them.”
Her Majesty also urged the leaders to “rise above the politics of the moment” and “achieve true statesmanship” through climate action.
“In the coming days, the world has the chance to join in the shared objective of creating a safer, stabler future for our people and for the planet on which we depend,” she said.
“None of us underestimates the challenges ahead."
“But history has shown that when nations come together in common cause, there is always room for hope."
“Working side-by-side, we have the ability to solve the most insurmountable problems and to triumph over the greatest of adversities.”
The Queen ended her speech by telling leaders “the time for words has now moved to the time for action”.
“Of course, the benefits of such actions will not be there to enjoy for all of us here today: none of us will live forever.”
“But we are doing this not for ourselves but for our children and our children’s children, and those who will follow in their footsteps."
“And so, I wish you every good fortune in this significant endeavour.”
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle were notably not in attendance at the conference despite being long-time supporters of climate change action.
Prince Harry was not mentioned in the Queen’s moving speech at the COP26 evening reception. Credit: Angela Weiss/AFP.