The Queen appears smiling in virtual engagement after pulling out of COP26 summit

As concern mounts over the Queen’s recent bout of ill health, Buckingham Palace has released a new picture that shows her plan.

The Queen has been pictured smiling broadly for the first time since it was announced she’d been forced to back out of the COP26 summit on doctors’ orders.

Buckingham Palace revealed on Tuesday that Her Majesty won’t be travelling to Scotland for the meeting – as she’s been advised to rest.

The decision sparked further concern for the monarch’s health after she was hospitalised for ‘preliminary tests’ last week.

However, in a new photo issued by the Palace tonight, the Queen looked cheerful as she gave a virtual audience earlier this week.

Queen Elizabeth II appears via video link from Windsor Castle during a virtual event to present The Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry to British poet David Constantine. Picture: Buckingham Palace / AFP.

David Constantine (left), accompanied by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage as The Queen presents her Gold Medal for Poetry at Buckingham Palace. Picture: Kirsty O'Connor – Pool/Getty Images.

The monarch appeared in high spirits as she addressed the virtual event. Picture: Kirsty O'Connor – Pool/Getty Images.

Wearing a pretty floral dress and pearl necklace, she smiled brightly as she presented David Constantine with the Gold Medal for Poetry via videolink.

The monarch has already hosted two virtual audiences at Windsor this week, both of which were on Tuesday.

The meetings came days after Palace aides told her to “cut back” on her “exhausting” schedule.

But despite their advice, the Queen will appear over video once again this week for the eco-summit.

She had planned to speak to attendees directly, but will now deliver a prerecorded video message instead.

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.

The Queen’s schedule has been ‘gruelling’ since the death of her husband in April. Picture: AFP.

Her decision not to attend in person comes after she backed out of a planned trip to Northern Ireland – her first cancelled royal duty in 15 years.

She spent a night in hospital last week but was later discharged in “good spirits”.

Her hospital stay was kept a secret and only confirmed by the Palace when it was revealed by The Sun.

And while it’s understood her medical team acted out of caution and the stay was for “practical reasons”, sources claim her family – including Prince Harry – are concerned.

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.

Prince Harry’s concern

The source claims Harry “feels guilty about not saying goodbye” in person to Prince Philip, who died in April.

“He would never forgive himself if the same thing happened with his beloved grandmother,” they said.

Sources say Harry has been checking in regularly with The Queen. Picture: Angela Weiss / AFP.

The duke is even planning a return to the UK this year to see his family, according to reports.

It’s claimed he is “hoping to go back home for Christmas with Meghan, if not before, so that [the Queen] can finally get to meet Lilibet and see Archie again.”

Meanwhile, royal experts say the monarch “isn’t someone who will naturally take to slowing down”.

Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun: “She knows people want to see her, she knows certain events are particularly important, and if she can possibly make it in person, she will.

Those close to the Queen say she will struggle to ‘slow down’, despite doctor’s orders. Picture: AFP.

The Queen ‘hates letting people down’

“It’s more or less inevitable that there’ll be a very, very careful rethink now.

“However, she truly hates letting anyone down,” he said.

Royal sources claimed she was “knackered” as a result of her punishing schedule, coupled with a busy social life and late-night TV.

But the monarch herself shot down her doubters last week by refusing an Oldie of the Year award.

She said she “doesn’t meet the relevant criteria”.

Her Majesty cheekily added: “You are as old as you feel.”

This article originally appeared in The Sun and is reproduced here with permission



Originally published as The Queen appears smiling in virtual engagement after pulling out of COP26 summit