ALL TALK NO CLIMATE ACTION RILES QUEEN
LONDON: The Queen was overheard saying she was irritated by people “when they talk but they don’t do” while discussing attempts to tackle climate change.
The comments were caught by a microphone as the Queen was attending the opening of the Welsh parliament on Thursday – her first visit to the country in five years – with the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.
In a conversation between her, Elin Jones, the presiding officer of the Senedd, and the Duchess of Cornwall, the Queen was caught on the official live stream of the event saying: “I’ve been hearing all about Cop26 (the climate conference in Glasgow next month) . . . still don’t know who is coming . . . no idea.”
She turned to Ms Jones and said: “We only know about people who are not coming . . . it is very irritating when they talk, but they don’t do.”
Ms Jones said: “Exactly, and it’s a time for doing, and watching your grandson (the Duke of Cambridge) on television this morning saying there is no point going to space, we need to save the Earth.”
Prince William told the BBC the world’s greatest minds need to be “fixed on trying to repair this planet, not trying to find the next place to go and live”.
He also said that there could not be “clever words but not enough action” at Cop26.
For the second time in a week, the Queen, 95, was seen with a walking stick.
She took a lift to the entrance to the Welsh parliament, while Charles and Camilla took the stairs.
However, the Queen appeared to be on good form during the engagement, laughing and making jokes as she met dignitaries and “community champions” who had gone above and beyond during the pandemic.
Unlike the rest of the royal party and many others in the building, she did not wear a mask.
In the Senedd chamber, the Queen said: “I have spoken before about how recent times have, in many ways, brought us closer together.
“We all owe a debt of gratitude to those who have risen so magnificently to the challenges of the last 18 months, from key workers to volunteers, who have done so much to serve their communities.
“They are shining examples of the spirit for which the Welsh people are so renowned, a spirit which I have personally encountered so many times.”
She praised Wales for being the first of the UK legislatures to hold a formal online meeting during the pandemic.
“The fact that all parties showed a determination that you should continue to meet is commendable and testament to your commitment to scrutinise the government, on behalf of the people of Wales,” the Queen said.