It was a day in Wales for The King and Queen as they marked the 25th anniversary of the Welsh Parliament today.
Upon arrival at the Welsh Senedd, Their Majesties were met by primary school children who represent schools from across Wales, a civic line up, the Llywydd of the Senedd (Presiding Officer), The Rt Hon. Elin Jones MS, and the First Minister of Wales, The Rt Hon. Vaughan Gething MS.
Charles and Camilla at the Welsh Senedd. (Welsh Senedd/Twitter)
Opening his speech, Charles noted he and Camilla were ‘delighted’ to be joining the Welsh parliament to mark the ‘significant milestone’ of the 25th anniversary of the Welsh devolution.
Prior to this, Wales had been governed from London.
He adds how this journey has been his privilege to share with the people all his life, during which there have been ‘great change, profound sorrow, and tremendous achievement’ and his respect and affection for the Welsh people has deepened every year.
Charles has a deep history with Wales, being the longest-serving Prince of Wales with his investiture taking place in 1969. The King also states his has been a ‘great pleasure’ in seeing his eldest son’s relationship with Wales continue; Prince William lived in Anglesey for a few years after getting married, where he worked as a search and rescue pilot, and has maintained that the country holds a special place in his heart.
With ‘countless special memories and particular pride’, Charles joined the Parliament in reflecting on the last 25 years of history they have shared.
‘In 1999, when the National Assembly for Wales was established, we could not know what lay ahead. But we trusted that the common desire for the welfare of the people of Wales would be the surest guide for those who would create, shape and develop this new national institution.’
Looking back at the journey of the Welsh Parliament, the King hoped they can ‘feel a real sense of pride in the respect that has been earned; and in the contribution that has been made to the lives of so many’.
‘Now, of course, a parliament would not be worthy of the name were there not differences of opinion. But it is a tribute to that spirit of community – so evident to all who love Wales, as we do – that this has been managed with an inclusivity which the very shape of this chamber symbolises, and with a respectful recognition that there are many different ways to love and serve one’s country.
‘And what a country you have to serve. What a unique mosaic of places, landscapes and cultures is entrusted to your care: from Caergybi to Cardiff Bay – with all the myriad of communities in between: urban and rural, in all their complex diversity.’
In looking to the future, His Majesty highlighted the challenge ‘of this threatened planet’ faces, which he described as ‘a challenge which I know you are seeking to meet with energy and determination’.
He added how there are many more milestones ahead and the people of Wales will not embark on them alone, praising their ‘strength, resilience and aspiration’ to guide them along the way. He hoped the Welsh Parliament will take ‘the goodwill and support of all who have the interests of Wales at heart’ and hopes they ‘overcome even more challenges, and find even more causes for celebration’.
After His Majesty gave the speech, Charles and Camilla met members of the community who have contributed to key moments in the Senedd’s history.
After the visit to the Welsh Parliament, the royal couple carried out separate engagements.
At Lacock Church of England Primary School, The Queen joined school children and teachers in a celebration of the 200th anniversary of the education facility. Camilla toured the school and met pupils in their classrooms, who were undertaking a range of activities.
In Years 4, 5 and 6, Her Majesty met those taking part in a poetry activity. As part of the school’s literary programme, pupils from Oak Class have been creating their own poems, some of which were performed for Her Majesty during the visit.
In Reception and Year 1, Camila joined pupils taking part in an art session and in Years 2 and 3, the 74-year-old met school children taking part in a musical activity.
Meanwhile, The King marked 50 years of Sony in Wales. Meeting staff in the office, The King discussed the work they are carrying out and hear about the positive impact the organisation has had on the local environment over the past 50 years.
🎂 Today, The King joined celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of @SonyUK‘s Technology Centre in Pencoed.
♻️ His Majesty opened Sony’s first site in Bridgend in 1974. Since then, the company – which is committed to eliminating waste to landfill, promoting recycling and… pic.twitter.com/xBhCx7vGUp
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 11, 2024
On the factory floor, Charles took to the workforce to help finish the production of the 30,000th high-definition camera – the HD Camera production came on the line in 2006. His Majesty also packed the 50 millionth Raspberry Pi. Since 2012, Raspberry Pi has been designing single-board and modular computers, creating a learning environment for those who are new to computing and programming.
