THE Queen is “coming to terms” with the idea that “she won’t be around forever”, a royal expert says.
The monarch paid a moving tribute to her son Charles and grandson William during her recorded COP26 speech yesterday.
And she told delegates: “We none of us will live forever.”
Her Majesty is currently taking a two-week break from her duties on doctors’ orders after an overnight stay in hospital during October.
She was seen out in Windsor yesterday behind the wheel of her Jaguar – a sighting that will doubtless reassure Brits concerned for her health.
But in her address to world leaders, she praised the younger generation in a sign she may be preparing to hand over the mantle.
Angela Levin, who penned an authorised biography on Prince Harry, said: “Perhaps she’s telling us she’s coming to terms with the fact she won’t be around forever.
“She’s a spiritual and religious woman.
“Perhaps she’s prepared to go on in her role, but recognises that she’s getting older.”
TOUCHING TRIBUTES
She said that’s something the Queen “wasn’t doing just weeks ago” when she gave a hilarious response when asked to claim the Oldie of the Year Award.
The monarch replied to say she “doesn’t meet the relevant criteria” – and cheekily added: “You are as old as you feel.”
“Maybe that line in her speech yesterday is to say that, actually, she does feel a bit more tired now,” Ms Levin said.
The Queen failed to mention Harry last night, despite his own climate change campaigns – including when he urged everyone to “imagine being a raindrop”.
“She is succinct, articulate and says things from the heart,” Ms Levin said.
“I couldn’t see why he would be mentioned.
“He isn’t a member of the Royal Family now. He’s doing his own thing.
HARRY OMISSION
“I wouldn’t think he should be included – he’s stepped down from being a working royal.
“What he does is for himself and Meghan – he doesn’t deserve to be mentioned.”
The royal was due to speak at the COP26 summit in person, but was forced to back out.
Palace aides had advised Her Majesty to “cut back” on her “exhausting” schedule, although she is continuing to host virtual audiences with dignitaries.
Last Thursday, she beamed as she presented David Constantine with the Gold Medal for Poetry via videolink.
And it’s her “firm intention” to attend the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph on November 14.
Prince Charles will lay a wreath on behalf of his mother, as he has done in recent years, with the plan for her to again watch from a nearby balcony.
One source said: “That’s just unmissable, as far as the Queen is concerned.
“It is one of her most sacred duties.”
The Palace will carefully examine her diary to ensure a “careful and cautious approach” is taken in the coming months.
The royal had 295 engagements during 2019 – and has pursued a punishing schedule following the Duke of Edinburgh’s death, carrying out 120 official appointments in 194 days.
Sources claimed she was “knackered” as a result of her punishing schedule, coupled with a busy social life and late-night TV.
Harry is said to be deeply concerned for his grandmother and is reportedly planning a return to the UK within weeks so his daughter Lilibet can meet her namesake.
Unsubstantiated reports in Us Weekly reveal the Duke of Sussex felt “helpless” from his home in Montecito, LA after learning his grandmother had been hospitalised.
It’s claimed he’s been “checking in non-stop” to ensure she is feeling better.
