The Queen officially opened the sixth session of the Senedd in Cardiff on Thursday, accompanied by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.
Prior to the Senedd’s opening, the royals were treated to performances of the Welsh and British national anthems and an honour guard.
Throughout the day, the Welsh community’s response to the global pandemic was on display, with special guests invited and thanked after being nominated as COVID community champions for their personal support of others during the health crisis.
In a speech to the Llywydd, First Minister, and Members of the Senedd, The Queen spoke of how “recent times” have brought us closer together. She said:
“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 also spoke of how her family, including the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, have all had homes in Wales “and experienced its very special sense of community.
“The Welsh people have much to be proud of, and over the next five years, I am sure you will continue to be inspired by their indomitable spirit, as you represent the interests of Wales and its people, make laws for Wales, and hold the Welsh Government to account.”
She noted that there will be challenges ahead for the people of Wales as they recover from the global pandemic, and then offered her “warmest good wishes” along with Prince Charles and Camilla, and said that she hopes “you have every success with your endeavours.”
The Queen opened the first National Assembly for Wales—as it was then known—in 1999 and has opened every session following an election in Wales. She opened the Senedd building in 2006.
