THE Queen last night urged global leaders to strike an historic climate change deal for our children’s children.
Her Majesty issued a rallying cry for the planet in a video message after she was forced to miss Glasgow’s COP26 green summit on doctors’ orders.
She told the 120 world leaders they must work together to “solve the most insurmountable problems”.
The 95-year-old monarch acknowledged that “none of us will live forever”.
But she went on: “We are doing this not for ourselves but for our children and our children’s children, and those who will follow in their footsteps.”
She paid tribute to her “dear late husband” Prince Philip, who warned of the climate change danger more than 50 years ago.
She recalled him telling an academic gathering in 1969: “If we fail to cope with this challenge, all the other problems will pale into insignificance.
She also spoke of her pride that his environmental passion had been taken up by her son Prince Charles and grandson Prince William.
But she made no mention of Harry, despite his regular speeches on the issue.
Speaking from Windsor Castle, she 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.”
In the message, recorded on Friday: she also 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.”
MAKE HISTORY
The global leaders were told they had the chance to make history at the gathering.
She said: “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.”
Doctors had advised the Queen to rest instead of attending the summit.
She was yesterday seen driving her Jag at Windsor Castle.
Charles, Camilla, William and wife Kate are standing in for her.
The Duchess of Cambridge was happy to muck in with a Scouts Group in Glasgow yesterday.
She delved into “wildflower planting” with William, grabbing handfuls of soil.
