A Speech by The King at the opening of the Senedd in Cardiff

The character and identity of Wales have always been built from the strength of its places and the relationships of trust, service and neighbourliness found within them – that distinctively Welsh idea of cynefin: the profound connection between place, people, culture and belonging.

Llywydd, Aelodau o’r Senedd, boneddigion a boneddigesau. Presiding Officer, Members of the Senedd, Ladies and Gentlemen. 

It is with the greatest pleasure that I join you for the opening of the Seventh Senedd. This Chamber, this institution, now so well-named “Senedd Cymru”, the “Welsh Parliament,” is imbued with the spirit of public service. And there are, of course, rather more members of the Senedd present today than when I last stood here. And there are many new faces – as well, of course, as the reassuring presence of familiar faces who are, we might say, Yma o Hyd [still here]. All of which speaks to the thought of change and continuity which comes very much to mind today as you, together with all those working in public service, take forward your great responsibilities on behalf of the people of Wales. 

“Aros mae’r mynyddau mawr”, said the poet Ceiriog. The great mountains remain. He was expressing that sense of the enduring strength and continuity of Cymru. That endurance, that continuity, to which the great Welsh historian John Davies – who might well be with us in rather more than spirit in this chamber today – paid tribute in the closing words of his magisterial history of Wales: “Canys gwydn yw’r hen genedl hon.” “For tenacity is the hallmark of this ancient nation.” 

That endurance – it seems to me – is what is so vital to preserve. It is true of language and culture, of course. And we are fortunate to have with us in the Chamber here today, my Harpist, Mared, who has brought the magic of the Welsh musical tradition to the world. 

That endurance is true of our land. No-one can have failed to have been struck by the way the very colours of our countryside changed during this Summer’s heatwaves. Nor could they have failed to be deeply concerned at what this means for our rapidly changing planet. I am sure we all share that most profound concern for the environment of this country entrusted to our care. 

That endurance is true of community too. The Welsh people, from all communities and faiths, are rightly famed for the strength of their sense of belonging – and next week, together with The Queen and The Prince of Wales, I will be visiting Aberfan to commemorate the solemn anniversary of a tragedy that brought Wales to the attention, and to the hearts, of the entire world – for the most unbearable of reasons. I am enormously touched that people from the Aberfan community are with us today. There could be no finer witnesses to the strength of the Welsh – and the human – spirit. 

The character and identity of Wales have always been built from the strength of its places and the relationships of trust, service and neighbourliness found within them – that distinctively Welsh idea of cynefin: the profound connection between place, people, culture and belonging. And I have always felt immensely privileged, and proud, to have had such a special connection with Wales – with its language, its culture and its landscape – for so much of my life. 

So, as you take forward your task of government, we know you will bear always in mind, and will draw inspiration from, those shared strengths, as you work on behalf of the people of this most special corner of the Earth. 

Pob bendith ar eich gwaith er lles y wlad arbennig hon. [Heartfelt thanks for your work for the welfare and success of this special land.]