It has been revealed that the Queen feels “irritated” by leaders who “talk but don’t do” ahead of the landmark UN Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow.
After opening the Welsh parliament (Senedd) in Cardiff yesterday, a live recording of a conversation between Her Majesty, the Duchess of Cornwall and Elin Jones, the presiding officer of the Senedd, regarding the climate talks set to kick off on 31 October was broadcast.
“I’ve been hearing all about Cop,” the Queen remarked. “Still don’t know who is coming… no idea.”
She went on: “We only know about people who are not coming … and it’s really irritating when they talk, but they don’t do.”
Ms Jones agreed, saying: “Exactly, and it’s a time for doing, and watching your grandson on television this morning saying there is no point going to space, we need to save the Earth.”
The Queen responded positively, stating: “I read about that!”
The Duke of Cambridge had explained that so-called space tourism had awoken him to the importance of improving the Earth before “trying to find the next place to go and live”.
When asked if the Queen was referring to the inaction of the UK government in her comments, transport secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News this morning that it seemed Her Majesty was referring to visiting world leaders.
He said he did not think her comments were intended to be geared at the government, adding that “everyone” wanted progress.
He also said he didn’t think her comments were intended to be public and that “comments made in private should stay in private.”
A diplomatic reception will be held at the forthcoming summit, which the Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will attend.
Both Prince Charles and Prince William are expected to give speeches and hold talks with a selection of world leaders.
