The King and Queen visited the Senedd to mark the 25th anniversary of devolution in Wales.
Video from Senedd.tv
Video from Senedd.tv
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00I would like now to invite His Majesty the King to address the Senedd.
00:06Follow that.
00:14Llywydd, Brif Weinidog.
00:17Llywydd, First Minister, Members of the Senedd, Ladies and Gentlemen.
00:25I am so delighted to join you today as we mark this significant milestone in our history,
00:31the 25th anniversary of Welsh devolution.
00:35It is a milestone on a journey which it has been my privilege all my life to share with you.
00:42During times which have seen great change, profound sorrow and tremendous achievement.
00:50Through it all, my respect and affection for the people of this ancient land have deepened with every passing year.
01:03It's a privilege to share your love for this very special nation.
01:08It has given me great pleasure to see my son's relationship with this special land continue,
01:15including returning only this week to Anglesey and its moor, a place which I know means so much to him.
01:24So it is with countless special memories and particular pride that I am able to join you
01:33as we reflect upon the last quarter century of the history we have shared,
01:40and which you, in your work in this Senedd, have the great responsibility of making.
01:49In 1999, when the National Assembly for Wales was established, we could not know what lay ahead.
01:59But we trusted that the common desire for the welfare of the people of Wales
02:06would be the surest guide for those who would create, shape and develop this new national institution.
02:17Looking back at the distance travelled since then, I hope you can feel a real sense of pride
02:25in the respect that has been earned and in the contribution that has been made to the lives of so many.
02:35Welsh minds have indeed been directed to Welsh matters, and the distinct voice of Wales is heard with clarity and purpose.
02:51We look back at the journey so far, and we look forward to the journey yet to come.
02:59Now, of course, a Parliament would not be worthy of the name were there not differences of opinion.
03:08But it is a tribute to that spirit of community, so evident to all who love Wales, as we do,
03:17that this has been managed with an inclusivity which the very shape of this Chamber symbolises,
03:27and with a respectful recognition that there are many different ways to love and serve one's country.
03:35And what a country you have to serve. What a unique mosaic of places, landscapes and cultures is entrusted to your care.
03:47From Anglesey to Monmouth.
03:52With all the myriad of communities in between, urban and rural, in all their complex diversity.
04:02If I may say so, it is wonderful to see that the Senedd uses the Welsh language so often, not just as a symbolic act, but as its foundation.
04:25The greatest honour is its use.
04:30In the last 25 years, the Senedd has become more than a symbol. It has become essential to the life of Wales.
04:41And as we look back over the last quarter century on the long journey of our history, I offer you my heartfelt congratulations,
04:51Llongyfarchiadau Mawr, on all you have achieved.
04:56We now look forward to the tasks that we face in the next quarter century, not least the challenge we all share as inhabitants of this threatened planet.
05:09A challenge which I know you are seeking to meet with energy and determination.
05:17A great milestone has been reached. There are many more ahead, but you do not travel alone.
05:26The strength, resilience and aspiration of the Welsh people will help to sustain you.
05:34You take with you the goodwill and support of all who have the interests of Wales at heart.
05:42They will be equal to any task.
05:46And with those interests in mind, I pray that in the years to come, you will achieve even more, overcome even more challenges and find even more causes for celebration.
06:02Diolch yn fawr.
06:11Thank you.