A speech by HRH The Prince of Wales at the National Botanic Gardens of Wales

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am so pleased to return to the National Botanic Garden of Wales having been here in September, and I am delighted to come back and help celebrate your 10th anniversary as a proud Patron of this august establishment.

I remember I came here many years ago and it is a thrill now to see how it has been developed by all the dedicated team here.  I would like to use this opportunity to congratulate all of you so much on this effort, making these gardens one of the great assets of Wales.

I am delighted by the way my Foundation for the Built Environment and the Garden, its staff, volunteers and stakeholders have worked so effectively in partnership on this project. The collaboration through every stage, from concept and design to delivery, shows the positive way forward for many others.

This Garden has provided a wonderful space and opportunity for this particular project – a living stage on which some really exceptional young crafts people have already been supported and given prominence. I think, the project is, above all, a tangible demonstration of the importance of sustainable construction techniques as both legacy and inspiration for future generations and together, I hope, creates a present of which everyone can be proud.

Because the performance stage, which isn’t quite finished yet (I shall have to find another excuse to come back and see it when it is finally completed) will showcase talent in the performing arts and culture in rural Wales. At this time when the nations of the world are drawing attention in Nagoya, Japan to the messages we all need to hear, this performance stage will be a vital heartbeat embedded in a body of biodiversity. Drawing attention to the imperatives of conservation, education, and inspiration on which we all depend.

If I may say so, it is my pleasure to be able to offer this gift from my Foundation to the Garden on its 10th anniversary, and the 10th anniversary of my own Patronage. This is still a young garden, but over the coming years it is evident it has the capacity to grow in reputation and standing to take its proper place on the world’s stage with other National Botanic Gardens.

Diolch o galon am eich croeso a Penblwydd Hapus i’r Ardd!