The Queen, along with members of the Royal Family, hosted and attended a reception for business investment and political leaders after the Global Investment Summit at Windsor Castle on Tuesday night.
The Global Investment Summit took place after The Duke of Cambridge hosted the first Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony on Sunday. The Earthshot Prize launched the initiative to encourage the world’s best thinkers to help solve the climate emergency in 2019.
The Summit was a chance for the UK to showcase British innovation and highlighted the UK’s role in green investment and clean technologies to the most influential leaders ahead of COP26.
The 95-year-old monarch was joined by The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and Prince Michael of Kent for the occasion.
Before the Global Investment Summit took place, The Queen released her foreword for the summit’s brochure, where she highlighted previous examples of British innovation.
She opened by recognising the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on innovation: “With the need for isolation and restrictions, the last year and a half has often threatened what we have all previously taken for granted: the opportunity to be, work and grow together.
“Yet, in the face of these challenges, I have been inspired by countless stories of overcoming these hurdles. We have learned to connect with each other through innovative technologies and, in sharing the common goal of tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, achieved scientific breakthroughs faster than was ever expected. It has been a reminder that the diversity of thinking and experiences that this collaboration brings is not only of social benefit, but imperative for innovation and transformation. It is in that spirit that I welcome you to the Global Investment Summit.”
In her foreword, The Queen spoke of the historical achievements of British computer pioneer Alan Turing: “It is often when working together against seemingly insurmountable obstacles that we create the technologies that change the world.
“In the United Kingdom, I am often reminded that our history of innovation comes from this foundation of teamwork against adversity. Faced with breaking the Enigma code, the team at Bletchley Park created Colossus, the world’s first modern computer. Today, we have Alan Turning and his peers to thank for much of our modern world, and Turning’s pilot ACE computer can be found in the Science Museum.”
She continued: “The challenge of today, however, is not in breaking a code. It is in working together across the globe to avert the challenges of climate change. It is our shared responsibility, of those in government, business, and civil society, to rise to this challenge.”
She concluded with her praises for the country and expresses her thoughts on the future for British innovation: ‘I am proud of how the United Kingdom is seeking to secure a sustainable future, yet there is still much more to do. This summit is not just a showcase, but an opportunity to come together and, in the generous spirit of collaboration, forge new partnerships. I invite you all to share in this spirit and wish that today brings the innovation of tomorrow.’
The Queen, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will all attend events to coincide with COP26.
Her Majesty has called off a two-day visit to Northern Ireland this week, after being advised by her medical team to rest.
