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Natasha Asghar, who represents the Welsh Conservatives, is one of four regional Senedd Members serving the South Wales East region.

People all across South East Wales will be coming together to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee over the extra-long weekend.

Picnics in the park, street parties and afternoon teas are just a few of the ways some people will be marking the major milestone.

Sixty-nine-years ago today (June 2) millions of people around the world tuned in and watched Her Majesty’s Coronation unfold in Westminster Abbey.

It was the first to be televised in full, and since that day Her Majesty has broken countless records and is now the third-longest reigning monarch in history.

One of the greatest achievements of the Queen’s long reign has been the transformation of the Empire to Commonwealth.

Made up of 53 independent countries with a combined population of 2.4 billion, there is a shared goal to promote democracy, development and peace.

Whilst some countries have left or been expelled over the years, today the Commonwealth stands united as a force for promoting racial equality and human rights amongst other issues.

Times have been particularly tough for The Queen and the Royal Family recently with the tragic loss of her beloved husband, The Duke of Edinburgh.

We should take a moment over the bank holiday weekend to reflect on the Queen’s long reign and all the good she has done across the globe.

But we should also take a moment to remember and pay tribute to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who sadly passed away last year.

Long live the Queen and may she continue to reign over us for many years to come.

However you are celebrating the Platinum Jubilee this weekend, have a fantastic time.