The Queen has pulled out of hosting a major reception for world leaders at the Cop26 climate change summit, Buckingham Palace has confirmed. The 95-year-old monarch was due to travel to Scotland for the high-profile engagement on Monday, but will now record a speech later this week that will be played in a video message to delegates. Royal expert Jenny Bond has explained the decision behind the change in plans.

       Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Ms Bond said: "I think it's important we try and stick to facts really. We know that something is up with the Queen's health.

       "We know that she's had preliminary tests, which does suggest this could be an ongoing issue and there's going to be further tests.

       "We know that she is looking and sound right and she is carrying out some light duties and we know that she's not feeling old.

       "She refused the 'Oldie of the Year' award saying, 'you're only as old as you feel' and she didn't think she met the criteria.

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       "She clearly in her bones isn't feeling too bad but something is going on with her health but we also know they want to keep it private.

       "They've announced now she won't be going to Cop26 because they don't want a last-minute emergency.

       "You know how we all jump to it when the Queen cancels something in the last minute.

       "This is planned and the news of not being there will not overshadow the importance of the conference."

       It is understood the Queen very much wants Cop26 to be a success and result in meaningful action from the participating nations.

       It is hoped no world leaders will use the head of state's absence as a reason not to attend the global summit in Glasgow.

       A palace spokesman said: "Following advice to rest, the Queen has been undertaking light duties at Windsor Castle.

       "Her Majesty has regretfully decided that she will no longer travel to Glasgow to attend the evening reception of Cop26 on Monday, 1st November.

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       "Her Majesty is disappointed not to attend the reception but will deliver an address to the assembled delegates via a recorded video message."

       The Queen faced preliminary tests in hospital on October 20 during her first overnight stay at a medical facility in eight years.

       She has been resting following medical advice to cancel her two-day trip to Northern Ireland last week.

       But she returned to work on Tuesday, carrying out virtual audiences from Windsor Castle, her first official engagements in seven days, after she was ordered to rest by doctors.