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The Queen has paid tribute to the spirit of Welsh people during the official opening of the Senedd.

The event on Thursday, October 14, was also attended by The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, who met some community heroes in the Senedd – including Kathrine Hughes of the Caerphilly Miners’ Centre.

Addressing Members, Her Majesty the Queen 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, that I have personally encountered so many times.

“It is a source of pleasure that both The Prince of Wales and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have lived in Wales and experienced its very special sense of community.

“The Welsh people have much to be proud of and over the next five years, I am sure you will continue to be inspired by their indomitable spirit, as you represent the interests of Wales and its people, make laws for Wales, and hold the Welsh Government to account.”

First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford said: “We come together for the formal opening of this sixth Senedd in the shadow of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which has created so much sadness for so many families.  Our thoughts today are with all of them.

“As we look beyond the pandemic, we recognise that we still have many challenges ahead but also many opportunities for a brighter future.

“We will use all our powers to promote prosperity, equality and wellbeing for everyone in Wales. And to turn ourselves to those other crises of our times – climate change and the loss of nature and biodiversity.”

Llywydd of the Senedd, Elin Jones MS said: “Our work as a Senedd for the next term will undoubtedly focus on recovering from the covid pandemic. But there will also be many other challenges and opportunities – from playing a leading role in tackling climate change to promoting equality and fairness for all in Wales.

“Let our sixth Senedd be productive and innovative, and let us respect, at all times, each other as members and all the people we represent.”