The Duchess of Cambridge Elegant in Blue for COP26 Receptions

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, styled as the Earl and Countess of Strathearn in Scotland, joined the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall (their Scottish titles are the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay) in Glasgow for receptions marking the opening day of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26).

The Duke and Duchess arriving.

Following an afternoon of fun activities with scouts, William and Kate joined Charles and Camilla at a Clydeside Distillery reception for key members of the Sustainable Markets Initiative and the winners and finalists of the first Earthshot Prize Awards.

The COP26 summit is bringing leaders from all over the world together to take action on sustainability goals, including countries fulfilling their promise to mobilise at least $100bn in climate finance per year. It's hoped steps will be taken (in fact you'll hear the apt phrase 'action not words' time and time again in the coming days) to protect and restore ecosystems, build defences, investing in renewables and curtailing deforestation. The conference has been described as the last chance to take control of climate change. It is hoped meetings will result in effective emission reduction targets.

Clydeside is Glasgow's first dedicated single malt whisky distillery in over a century. Located beside the River Clyde, the distillery celebrates the city's dockside heritage by opening its doors to visitors from at home and abroad for tours.

It has become an exclusive private venue -- making it the perfect choice for receptions during the summit. Guests arrive to the sounds of acoustic music or a piper playing, while flexible spaces offer panoramic views...

 And of course, whisky on the menu.

The royals enjoyed a tipple.

Prince Charles was served a whisky by someone who was supported by the Prince's Trust.

More from the Standard:

'Ryan Longmuir, who started Regis Banqueting 18 years ago after receiving a £5,000 load from Charles’ charity, said it was good to meet the future king as he and staff worked serving guests at the Clydeside Distillery venue in Glasgow.

“Aye, it’s great meeting him. I was a drug dealer and drug addict, but my faith helped me turn things around and make me be the best I can,” he said.

The business leader, who now employs 125 staff and has a thriving hospitality company, said: “I started with the idea ‘how can you help the poor if you’re poor’ and so started a business.”'

Camilla, wearing teal Bruce Oldfield, chatted with guests.

The reception comes a fortnight after Prince William's Earthshot Prize Awards. Created by William and the Royal Foundation, the Earthshot Prize led a global search for the most effective and innovative solutions to the greatest environmental challenges facing the planet. The Earthshot Prize was described as "a truly global event, anchored in London and connecting with finalists and winners all over the world".

During the awards, the Prince said, "I want to say something to all the young people watching tonight. For too long, we haven’t done enough to protect the planet for your future. But Earthshot is for you. In the next ten years we are going to act. We are going to find the solutions to repair our planet."

Behind the scenes at the first ever @EarthshotPrize Awards

📸 @ChrisJack_Getty for The Royal Foundation pic.twitter.com/9ReGuKcgVH

— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) October 20, 2021

The Earthshot finalists and winners had the opportunity to meet members of Prince Charles' Sustainable Markets Initiative.

Over the past fifty years, Charles has been one of the most active and dedicated voices on climate change. The SMI is centred on gathering a global coalition of 'the willing' to drive progress and take steps to ensure a sustainable future. Flagship initiatives include Terra Carta, a charter providing a roadmap for businesses to harness the power of nature over the next decade; and the Terra Carta Design Lab, in collaboration with the Royal College of Art. The lab invites the world's talented young people to share their ideas and solutions for the future. Speaking about his vision for SMI, Charles said, "For me, sustainable markets offer a new systems-level framework which grounds markets in a higher-purpose mission." In September, the Prince teamed up with streaming giant Amazon Prime to launch a new channel, RE:TV, as part of SMI.

A series of royal events earlier in the day saw Charles and Camilla attending the opening ceremony with Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The Prince of Wales delivered a powerful opening address. Charles stressed the need to "put ourselves on what might be called war-footing", adding, "We need a vast military-style campaign to marshal the strength of the global private sector. With trillions at its disposal." Sharing his hopes for the summit: "My plea today is for countries to come together to create the environment that enables every sector of industry to take the action required. We know this will take trillions not millions of dollars."

During the address, Charles referenced SMI in outlining steps for lasting change:

'How do we do it? 

First: how do we get the private sector all pulling in the same direction?  After nearly two years now of consultation, C.E.O.s have told me that we need to bring together global industries to map out, in very practical terms, what it will take to make the transition.  We know from the pandemic that the private sector can speed up timelines dramatically when everyone agrees on the urgency and the direction.  So each sector needs a clear strategy to speed up the process of getting innovations to market.  

Second, who pays, and how? We need to align private investment behind these industry strategies to help finance the transition efforts, which means building the confidence of investors so that the financial risk is reduced.  Crucially, investment is needed to help transition from coal to clean energy.  If we can develop a pipeline of many more sustainable and ‘bankable’ projects, at a sufficient scale, it will attract greater investment.

Third, which switches do we flick to enable these objectives?  More than three hundred of the world’s leading C.E.O.s and institutional investors have told me that, alongside the promises countries have made – their Nationally Determined Contributions – they need clear market signals, agreed globally, so that they have the confidence to invest, without the goalposts suddenly moving.

This is the framework I have offered in the Terra Carta roadmap, created by my Sustainable Markets Initiative, with nearly one hundred specific actions for acceleration.  Together, we are working to drive trillions of dollars in support of transition across ten of the most emitting and polluting industries.  They include energy, agriculture, transportation, health systems and fashion.  The reality of today’s global supply chains means that industry transition will affect every country and every producer in the world.  There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the private sector is ready to play its part and to work with governments to find a way forward.'

Separately, the Duchess of Cornwall visited Wallacewell Primary School to meet pupils learning about climate change. Charles also co-hosted the Great Green Wall (GGW) session alongside the President of France and the President of Mauritania.

Indeed, Charles has just returned from a weekend in Rome, where he was invited to address the G20 leaders in recognition of a lifetime of work on climate change. Sky News reported it was "incredibly rare" for a member of the Royal family to be asked to speak at the G20. During his speech, the future king described COP26 as "literally the last chance saloon", adding, "We must, now, translate fine words into still finer actions."

The UK's President for COP26, Alok Sharma, spoke to ITV News about the impact of royal participation:

'Asked if foreign leaders and ministers pay attention to warnings about the environment from the Royals, Alok Sharma said: "Absolutely... when members of the Royal Family speak, yes people do listen.

"So, I'm really pleased that the Royal family is with us in this fight in tackling climate change."

Speaking to ITV News' Deputy Political Editor Anushka Asthana as the UN climate summit in Glasgow gets underway today, the MP said the Queen was "willing us on" despite her absence.

"When Prince Charles, Prince William and others speak - yes, people do notice," Alok Sharma tells ITV News.'

From there, the royals joined world leaders for an elegant reception to mark the bustling opening day.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arriving with the Prime Minister.

An elbow-bump with the PM :)

An arrival video.

The conference has been widely billed as the last chance to take substantive action to tackle climate change, and the reception celebrated a hopeful day of promises and pledges.

During his speech today, the Prime Minister said "It’s one minute to midnight on that doomsday clock and we need to act now. If we don’t get serious about climate change today, it will be too late for our children to do so tomorrow."

Guests enjoyed sparkling wine and canapes. 

Kate pictured with PM Justin Trudeau. 

They've met several times over the years including the Cambridges' 2016 Canada tour when a very tired Prince George was a feeling shy when meeting Trudeau.

The Duchess with First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon. 

With Prince Albert of Monaco.

The royals mingling with guests.

This evening's VVIP reception was held at Kelvingrove Art Museum & Gallery.

Kelvingrove was reopened in 2006 by the Queen after an extensive three-year renovation and has since become one of Scotland's most popular visitor attractions. Located in the West End of Glasgow on the banks of the River Kelvin, the museum features 22 themed state-of-the-art galleries displaying 800 objects, featuring significant pieces across natural history and art movements.

The Central Hall.

One of the museum's most notable pieces -- 'Christ of Saint John the Cross' by Salvador Dali -- which first went on display at Kelvingrove in 1952. It's based on a drawing by the 16th-century Spanish friar John of the Cross. In 1961, a visitor attempted to destroy the painting by tearing the canvas with his hands, but it was successfully restored following a painstaking effort. It has been voted Scotland's favourite painting.

An emotive painting, 'Little Brother', by Scottish artist Norah Neilson Gray.

The summit had been a staple in the Queen's diary, and she was said to be very disappointed to be unable to attend in person following an overnight hospital stay and advice from doctors to rest. Her Majesty has been advised to only undertake light duties for the next two weeks - though it is her firm intention (pending advice from her medical team) to attend Remembrance Sunday on 14 November. COP26 has been very much on her mind, with the BBC reporting the monarch hopes it results in "meaningful action". During a conversation at the Welsh Parliament last month, the Queen summed up the feelings of so many globally when she was overheard saying it was "really irritating" when people talk but fail to act on climate change. Her Majesty had the opportunity to address guests in a pre-recorded message. 

I was taken by the poignancy of Her Majesty's words as she reflected on Prince Philip's climate efforts, and her pride at Charles' and William's endeavours.

Her Majesty 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. That you left this conference as a community of nations with a determination, a desire, and a plan, to address the impact of climate change; and to recognise that the time for words has now moved to the time for action. Of course, the benefits of such actions will not be there to enjoy for all of us here today. We, none of us, will live forever. But we are doing this not for ourselves, but for our children and our children’s children, and those who will follow in their footsteps."

You'll notice, by the Queen's side, a beautiful photo of Prince Philip surrounded by monarch butterflies. The image was shared widely when the Duke passed. Indeed, the Queen wore her Onslow Butterfly Brooch - a wedding gift to the then Princess Elizabeth.

The Queen's speech in full:

'I am delighted to welcome you all to the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference; and it is perhaps fitting that you have come together in Glasgow, once a heartland of the industrial revolution, but now a place to address climate change.

This is a duty I am especially happy to discharge, as the impact of the environment on human progress was a subject close to the heart of my dear late husband, Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.

 I remember well that in 1969, he told an academic gathering: “If the world pollution situation is not critical at the moment, it is as certain as anything can be, that the situation will become increasingly intolerable within a very short time … If we fail to cope with this challenge, all the other problems will pale into insignificance.”

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.

Indeed, I have drawn great comfort and inspiration from the relentless enthusiasm of people of all ages – especially the young – in calling for everyone to play their part.

In the coming days, the world has the chance to join in the shared objective of creating a safer, stabler future for our people and for the planet on which we depend.

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.

For more than seventy years, I have been lucky to meet and to know many of the world’s great leaders. And I have perhaps come to understand a little about what made them special.

It has sometimes been observed that what leaders do for their people today is government and politics. But what they do for the people of tomorrow — that is statesmanship.

I, for one, hope that this conference will be one of those rare occasions where everyone will have the chance to rise above the politics of the moment, and achieve true statesmanship. 

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. That you left this conference as a community of nations with a determination, a desire, and a plan, to address the impact of climate change; and to recognise that the time for words has now moved to the time for action.

Of course, the benefits of such actions will not be there to enjoy for all of us here today: we none of us will live forever. But we are doing this not for ourselves but for our children and our children’s children, and those who will follow in their footsteps. 

And so, I wish you every good fortune in this significant endeavour.'

An overview as the Queen's speech played.

A memorable photo from the evening. 

It has been a day of significant speeches and conversations. If temperatures rise above the 1.5°C target set out during the Paris Climate Agreement, the results will be devastating for our planet and people all over the world, with climate disasters such as floods and fires increasing. A third of the world's population would be regularly exposed to severe heat and Arctic sea ice could completely melt with devastating consequences for wildlife.

Tom Clarke created this video laying out the critical need for countries to reduce emissions.

Can we keep the 1.5C target alive?

Sky's @aTomClarke takes a look at the amount of greenhouse gases currently emitted by countries and how much these emissions will need to be reduced.#COP26: https://t.co/s21Sr9NUOP pic.twitter.com/A7sAxhKTrF

— Sky News (@SkyNews) October 31, 2021

The BBC reports:

'At face value, things do not look promising, for a simple reason: the previous 25 of these giant conferences failed to turn off the tap of the greenhouse gases that are driving up global temperatures.

Despite three decades of talking, the planet is now at least 1.1C hotter than the pre-industrial level - and rising.

Even if everyone sticks to their current promises to reduce emissions, we'll still be on course for a dangerous increase of 2.7C by the end of the century.

For this conference, however, expectations for real progress are higher than usual.

That's partly because the risks are hitting home. This year floods killed 200 people in Germany, heatwaves struck chilly Canada and even the Siberian Arctic was burning.'

The UK's COP26 president, Alok Sharma, said: "The rapidly changing climate is sounding an alarm to the world, to step up on adaptation, to address loss and damage, and to act now to keep 1.5 alive. We know that this COP, COP26, is our last best hope to keep 1.5 in reach. And I know that we have an unprecedented negotiations agenda ahead of us. But I believe this international system can deliver. Astronauts speak of the intense emotion they feel when looking back at Earth from space. Seeing it gleaming through the darkness of the cosmos. Incredible, improbable and infinitely precious. And if we act now, and we act together, we can protect our precious planet. So let’s come together over these two weeks. And ensure that where Paris promised, Glasgow delivers."

Sir David Attenborough was chosen as COP26 People's Advocate. The naturalist and broadcaster has been praised for "already inspiring millions" through this work. Addressing leaders this morning, the national treasure said, "The people most affected by climate change are no longer some imagined future generation." Sir David urged people to "turn this tragedy into triumph".

"The people most affected by climate change are no longer some imagined future generation"

David Attenborough urges leaders to "turn this tragedy into a triumph... we are after all the greatest problem solvers to have ever existed on Earth"#COP26BBC https://t.co/xSg1GT1keA pic.twitter.com/yP89TbqI3W

— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) November 1, 2021

United Nations Secretary General António Guterres also shared stirring words. More from BBC News:

"Either we stop it or it stops us. And it's time to say, enough. Enough of killing ourselves with carbon. Enough of treating nature like a toilet. Enough of burning and drilling and mining our way deeper. We are digging our own graves."

President Joe Biden said, "This is the challenge of our collective lifetimes, the existential threat to human existence as we know it and every day we delay, the cost of inaction increases. So, let this be the moment when we answer history’s call here in Glasgow. Let this be the start of a decade of transformative action."

A short film shown to world leaders documents the truth about our home today.

The Duchess was regal in a blue double-breasted coat by Eponine London.

Laura identified the piece and discovered a photo of the garment in the background of an Instagram image by the brand. The tailored dress has pleat shoulder detail and comes in a midi length. 

I believe it's from the SS20 Collection (another word of thanks to Laura for the screenshot).

The Duchess accessorised with her Kiki McDonough blue topaz and diamond earrings. The £3,500 pair are described as "a wonderful pair of blue topaz oval and cushion cut stones surrounded by diamonds set in 18ct white gold to form the most stunning drop earrings". Kate's had them for several years.

Kate wore her Rupert Sanderson navy pumps and carried a matching clutch.

The Duchess also wore her codebreakers poppy brooch on her lapel.

It was a hugely important opening day. I know we all hope to see pledges fulfilled, and continue to take steps in our lives to play our part. Thus far, there's no word on tomorrow's schedule, possibly for security reasons.

I'm leaving you with a profoundly moving speech from today's opening ceremony by climate activist Elizabeth Wathuti from Kenya. The founder of the Green Generation Initiative spoke beautifully on the human cost of inaction, of the devastating reality Kenyans are struggling with today. "Over two million of my fellow Kenyans are facing climate-related starvation. Children cannot live on words and empty promises. They are waiting for you to act. Please open your hearts."