THE Queen has praised the efforts of all those in Wales who worked to mitigate the coronavirus pandemic, in a speech delivered at the opening of the sixth session of the Welsh Senedd.

With the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall sat nearby, the Queen, 95, said: “I have spoken before about how recent times have, in many ways, brought us closer together.

“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, a spirit which I have personally encountered so many times.”

South Wales Argus: The Queen meets first minister Mark Drakeford and Senedd llywydd Elin Jones outside the Senedd. Picture: Huw Evans Picture AgencyThe Queen meets first minister Mark Drakeford and Senedd llywydd Elin Jones outside the Senedd. Picture: Huw Evans Picture Agency

It is the first time in five years the Queen has visited Wales.

The event was due to take place shortly after the election in May, but was delayed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

South Wales Argus: The Queen waves to the crowd outside the Senedd after opening the sixth Welsh Parliament. Picture: Jacob King/PA WireThe Queen waves to the crowd outside the Senedd after opening the sixth Welsh Parliament. Picture: Jacob King/PA Wire

The Queen's speech was followed by addresses from first minister Mark Drakeford and Senedd llywydd (presiding officer) Elin Jones.

Drakeford said the sixth session of the Senedd was a period for the people of Wales to “look to the future” and he wanted to meet the “challenges” ahead by promoting “prosperity, equality and well-being for everyone in Wales”.

South Wales Argus: The Queen meets guests inside the Senedd building. Picture: Huw Evans Picture AgencyThe Queen meets guests inside the Senedd building. Picture: Huw Evans Picture Agency

In his speech he also praised the efforts of all those who fought to mitigate the coronavirus pandemic: “We have seen the best of Wales in our health and care system, the shop workers, our teachers, all those public service workers, the businesses and volunteers, whose commitment, dedication and sheer hard work has helped to keep Wales open during this most difficult of times.”

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Commenting on the future, the first minister added: “As we look beyond the pandemic, we recognise that we still have many challenges ahead.

“To meet them we will use all of our powers to promote prosperity, equality and well-being for everyone in Wales. And to turn ourselves to that other great crisis of our times, a crisis in climate change and the loss of biodiversity.”

South Wales Argus: Mace bearer Shazad Khan arrives for the official opening of the Sixth Welsh Parliament. Picture: Huw Evans Picture AgencyMace bearer Shazad Khan arrives for the official opening of the Sixth Welsh Parliament. Picture: Huw Evans Picture Agency

At the Senedd, the royal party was treated to recorded and live performances from Welsh artists, centred around the theme Your Voice.

Ahead of the visit, Drakeford had said the Queen opening the Senedd “marks the significance of the Parliament” in the nation.

South Wales Argus: First minister Mark Drakeford and Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price (left) arrive at the Senedd. Picture: Huw Evans Picture AgencyFirst minister Mark Drakeford and Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price (left) arrive at the Senedd. Picture: Huw Evans Picture Agency

He told Sky News: “Decisions are made in four different parliaments and I know the Queen has always taken very seriously the job that she does in marking that.

“As I say, she’s never missed an opening of a new Senedd term and despite the circumstances, and her age, she will be making that effort again today.”

South Wales Argus: Children from Mount Stuart Primary School wave flags outside the Senedd. Picture: Huw Evans Picture AgencyChildren from Mount Stuart Primary School wave flags outside the Senedd. Picture: Huw Evans Picture Agency

Members of the royal family greeted pupils from Mount Stuart Primary School at the front of the Senedd, where the Welsh and British national anthems were played, and a royal salute was given by the Royal Navy with the Band of the Royal Marines.

South Wales Argus: The Queen speaks with the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall before entering the Senedd. Picture: Jacob King/PA WireThe Queen speaks with the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall before entering the Senedd. Picture: Jacob King/PA Wire

The WNO Youth Opera – which has not performed live in 18 months due to coronavirus restrictions – performed Ar Lan y Mor.

South Wales Argus: The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arrive at the Senedd. Picture: Jacob King/PA WireThe Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arrive at the Senedd. Picture: Jacob King/PA Wire

Other party leaders, members of Wales’s first Youth Parliament and local dignitaries who have supported their communities during the pandemic, also had the chance to meet the royal party.