Thread by @chrisshipitv

JUST ANNOUNCED: The Queen has been forced to pull out of @COP26
Buckingham Palace says she has "regretfully decided that she will no longer travel to Glasgow" for the world leaders' reception on Monday.
She is "disappointed not to attend" but will deliver a video message

The Queen's decision to pull out of the big UN summit on such an important issue as climate change is a blow.
She was a big draw for the world leaders.
We are told that she hopes no other leader will use her absence as a reason not to attend 🌍

The Queen is following doctor's orders to rest and do only light duties.
The video message to delegates on Monday will be filmed later this week.
The Queen recently expressed her own "irritation" that many world leaders had yet to commit to attending @COP26

On the Queen's health, royal sources say this is a "sensible precaution" but she is still doing light duties. That includes the virtual audiences earlier today with ambassadors (see pics). And she will also take a phone call from @RishiSunak tonight ahead of the Budget tomorrow

Royal aides say that the Queen "very much wants @COP26 to be a success and see meaningful actions". Her presence might have helped encourage some leaders to attend - perhaps even to get others to sign up to strict carbon reductions.
That work will now fall to Prince Charles.

The Queen has just had her phone call with @RishiSunak ahead of his Budget statement tomorrow. Royal sources say that’s the kind of “light duties” her doctors will let her do.
But an 800-mile round trip from Windsor to Glasgow was not deemed suitable for her.

READ: After a busy October schedule, which many acknowledge was a lot for the 95-year old Monarch, her most senior staff are now putting her health before duty.
itv.com/news/2021-10-2…