King Charles III speaks in the Senedd to mark 25 years of Welsh devolution
The King and Queen visited the Senedd to mark the 25th anniversary of devolution in Wales.
Video from Senedd.tv
Video from Senedd.tv
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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.