Key workers in Wales 'owed debt of gratitude' for work during pandemic, Queen says

  • Video report by ITV Wales Political Editor Adrian Masters

The Queen has said a "debt of gratitude" is owed to the people of Wales for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic as she attended the official opening of the Senedd

She was joined on her visit to the Senedd building in Cardiff by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

It is first time in five years she has visited Wales, and the first time she has attended without Prince Philip.

  • Watch the official opening of the Senedd by The Queen

In a speech in the Senedd chamber, The Queen said: "I have spoken before about how recent times have, in many ways, brought us closer together.

"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."

The event was due to take place shortly after the election in May, but was delayed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Queen also addressed politicians gathered inside the Senedd chamber telling them: "You have been entrusted to be the voice of the people of Wales."

First Minister Mark Drakeford said the sixth session of the Senedd will be a period for the people of Wales to "look to the future", and he wanted to meet the challenges ahead by promoting "prosperity, equality and well-being for everyone in Wales".

He also praised the efforts of all those who fought to mitigate the pandemic: "We have seen the best of Wales in our health and care system, the shop workers, our teachers, all those public service workers, the businesses and volunteers, whose commitment, dedication and sheer hard work has helped to keep Wales open during this most difficult of times.

"As we look beyond the pandemic, we recognise that we still have many challenges ahead.

"To meet them we will use all of our powers to promote prosperity, equality and well-being for everyone in Wales. And to turn ourselves to that other great crisis of our times, a crisis in climate change and the loss of biodiversity." 

Key moments during the visit

The visit was proceed by a march by the Royal Marines Band who marched down Pier street followed by a 22 round Royal Gun Salute which sounded just before the arrival of the Royal guests.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were the first to arrive and met by pupils of Mount Stuart Primary School. One excited pupil said they told Prince Charles they had too much homework.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrived first Credit: PA

The Queen arrived to crowds gathered outside the Senedd to see her and was welcomed by First Minister Mark Drakeford and Llywydd Elin Jones.

The Queen waved to crowds gathered to see her arrival at the Senedd Credit: PA

Inside members of the WNO Youth Opera performed Ar Lan y Mor as The Queen made her way to the Senedd chamber.

The procession was led by mace-bearer Shaz Khan, a member of the Senedd security team.

In a speech inside the chamber, The Queen thanked Welsh people efforts during the pandemic, saying they are owed a "debt of gratitude."

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."

The Queen gave a speech inside the Senedd chamber Credit: PA

Members of the royal family greeted pupils from Mount Stuart Primary School at the front of the Senedd, where the Welsh and British national anthems played, and a royal salute was given by the Royal Navy with the Band of the Royal Marines.

The WNO Youth Opera – which has not performed live in 18 months due to coronavirus restrictions – performed Ar Lan y Mor.

Other party leaders, members of Wales’s first Youth Parliament and local dignitaries who have supported their communities during the pandemic also had the chance to meet the royal party.

The ceremonial mace was carried into the Senedd by a member of the the security team, Shahzad Khan, and placed in its sconce to signify the official opening of the sixth Senedd.

Earlier this month, the Queen officially opened the sixth session of the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood.