Queen officially opening Welsh Senedd's sixth term
Queen officially opens Welsh Senedd's sixth term
(32 minutes later)
The Queen is officially opening the Senedd for the sixth time
The Queen has officially opened the Senedd for the sixth time
The Queen is officially opening the sixth term of the Senedd on Thursday in her first visit to Wales for five years.
The Queen has commended the spirit of the Welsh people during the pandemic as she officially opened the sixth term of the Senedd on Thursday.
She has arrived in Cardiff accompanied by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.
In her first visit to Wales in five years, she told the Welsh parliament everyone owes a "debt of gratitude" to those who have served their communities during Covid.
People nominated as Covid community champions are among the guests at the event, delayed because of the pandemic.
People nominated as Covid community champions were among the guests.
The event marks the ceremonial start of the term.
Presiding Officer Elin Jones said the ceremony is a celebration "of the diverse communities across Wales".
Presiding Officer Elin Jones said the ceremony is a celebration "of the diverse communities across Wales".
A 21-gun salute sounded in Cardiff Bay to mark the Queen's arrival in the city.
A 21-gun salute sounded in Cardiff Bay marked the Queen's arrival in the city.
At the steps of the Senedd she was greeted by pupils from Mount Stuart Primary School, a short distance from the Senedd.
At the steps of the Senedd she was greeted by pupils from Mount Stuart Primary School, a short distance from the Senedd.
The Queen is greeted by Presiding Officer Elin Jones and First Minister Mark Drakefordhttps://t.co/aWg6A8G9ZC pic.twitter.com/lCv3d9s98K
The Queen is greeted by Presiding Officer Elin Jones and First Minister Mark Drakefordhttps://t.co/aWg6A8G9ZC pic.twitter.com/lCv3d9s98K
After meeting First Minister Mark Drakeford Elin Jones, mace-bearer Shaz Khan led her into the debating chamber.
After meeting First Minister Mark Drakeford Elin Jones, mace-bearer Shaz Khan led her into the debating chamber.
The mace was be placed in its sconce in the Senedd to signify the official opening.
The mace was placed in its sconce in the Senedd to signify the official opening.
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The Welsh National Opera's (WNO) youth branch was among those providing performances of music and poetry, performing Ar Lan yr Môr.
As she arrived the Welsh National Opera's (WNO) youth branch performed Ar Lan yr Môr.
Preparations were made for the visit on Thursday morning
The Queen met the first minister Mark Drakeford and presiding officer Elin Jones on the Senedd steps
It marks the ceremonial start of the new Senedd term following May's election, which returned Welsh Labour leader Mark Drakeford as first minister.
The Queen, speaking in the Senedd, 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.
All 60 Members of the Senedd (MSs) have been invited to the chamber for the event - the first time since the pandemic changed how the Senedd works.
"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."
Mace bearer Mr Khan, from Cardiff, is a trained chef who worked in catering before becoming a security officer in the Senedd.
She said the decision to change the name of the institution from National Assembly for Wales to Senedd Cymru/Welsh Parliament "demonstrates your status as a national parliament".
"You kind of feel nervous, but at the same time, very, very proud to be part of something like this," he said.
Its move to virtual meetings at the start of the pandemic was also commended.
There is live coverage on BBC One Wales
"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."
Tân Cerdd, will be presenting a song composed for the event entitled Ymuno.
The Queen arrived with Prince Charles and Duchess of Cornwall
A family from Afghanistan starting a new life in Wales after fleeing the Taliban will also meet Prince Charles.
Eleri Griffiths and Oliver Edwards Davies of the Welsh Youth Parliament read a poem written by children from 24 schools.
The service will include a poetry reading from Eleri Griffiths and Oliver Edwards Davies of the Welsh Youth Parliament.
They will read Ein Llais, written by children from 24 primary schools about their hopes for the future.
Shazad Khan will lead the queen into the Senedd chamber
Covid community champions have been nominated by MSs in recognition of the help they provided to their communities during the pandemic.
Guests will include marathon runner Ian Turner from Aberconwy and Alison Round, who headed up a group in Flint that created scrubs, hats and masks for the NHS and healthcare workers from donated materials.
The Queen last visited Wales in 2016
Ms Jones said: "Our official opening event is not only a celebration of the Senedd but of the diverse communities across Wales whose voices are represented within these walls.
"I am particularly pleased that many Covid champions who made such a positive difference in their areas, with strength and generosity of spirit, will join us from all parts of Wales.
"As we commemorate the beginning of a new Senedd term, let's be inspired by these endeavours and by the voices within our unique communities as we face both the challenges and opportunities ahead."
The first official opening took place after the assembly began in 1999
What is the official opening?
Covid has delayed this year's opening ceremony, which has been held soon after an election for every new term since the opening of the National Assembly in 1999.
It is not like the Queen's Speech in the Houses of Commons where she lays out the government's legislative programme - it is purely ceremonial.
The event is not required by law, but has become convention to mark the start of a new term after a Senedd election.
A key part is the mace, which was donated to the Senedd in 2006 by the parliament of New South Wales in Australia.
It is the first time it has been held since the law-making body changed its name to Senedd Cymru/Welsh Parliament.
