The Queen has urged world leaders to “rise above the politics of the moment, and achieve true statesmanship” at the COP26 summit.
In a recorded video message, the 95-year-old asked politicians in attendance to create a “safer, stabler future” for the planet and paid tribute to her “dear late husband, Prince Philip.”
“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.”
The 95-year-old said the “impact of the environment on human progress was a subject close to the heart” of the Duke of Edinburgh, who died in April aged 99 after more than 70 years married to the Queen.
Her Majesty had been scheduled to attend the United Nations conference in Glasgow, but had to pull out at the last minute due to a health scare.
She instead pre-recorded her address last week at Windsor Castle after being advised to rest by royal doctors.
In the clip, the Queen said she drew “great comfort and inspiration from the relentless enthusiasm of people of all ages – especially the young – in calling for everyone to play their part”.
“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.
“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.”
She added: “It is the hope of many that the legacy of this summit – written in history books yet to be printed – will describe you as the leaders who did not pass up the opportunity; and that you answered the call of those future generations.
“That you left this conference as a community of nations with a determination, a desire, and a plan, to address the impact of climate change; and to recognise that 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.”
