The Queen officially opened the fifth Welsh Assembly yesterday, and was joined by Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Camilla.
The Queen was joined by the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall in Cardiff, after the Royal Opening of the National Assembly. Picture by Andrew Parsons / i-Images
Her Majesty was greeted by music and poetry shortly before lunchtime, arriving at the Senedd in Cardiff, including The Prince of Wales’ official harpist, Anne Denholm and the National Youth Choir of Wales.
During a speech to mark the opening, The Queen said the new session marked a ‘further significant development in the history of devolution in Wales’.
Addressing politicians Her Majesty said the institution was “an achievement in which all who care about Wales can take pride”.
“Your responsibilities are great and the expectations are high, but I have no doubt you will continue to succeed as you discharge these new duties,” she said.
Her Majesty opened the permanent home for The Assembly at the back in 2006, and for this opening, a screen was placed outside for the public to keep up with the proceedings.
A new poem by Ifor ap Glyn – Wales’ National Poet – was also presented to mark Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday, which will be celebrated on Saturday with Trooping the Colour.
Later the Royal foursome attended reception with Welsh MPs at the Wales Millennium Centre, and viewed the field of poppies outside its entrance which remembers the fallen of WWI; 2016 continues the commemorations of the Great War.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh then went on to opened a new £44m brain research centre at Cardiff University.
Her Majesty was fascinated with the technology of the Cubric centre, including four hi-tech scanners, six times more powerful than a standard MRI scan. She said that the technology was fascinating. “To know what goes on in the brain is extraordinary, I think.”
Prince Philip watched two youngsters using just their brain signals to move a ball suspended in the air. He put his fists up to the duelling children, making them giggle.
The Duke was on good form, making one tattooed neuroscientist laugh. He told Mark Drakesmith, pointing to his inked arms and saying: “After undergoing all that, I’m surprised you can feel anything.”
He also said that a group of schoolchildren “must have really good brains to speak Welsh,” the language famed for its difficulties.
.@CUBRICcardiff PhD student & sculptor Gemma Williams discusses her work with HRH The Duke of Edinburgh pic.twitter.com/LuYiOin0rg
— Cardiff University (@cardiffuni) June 7, 2016
Her Majesty unveiled a statue at the centre, entitled ‘Penny for your thoughts’. It is a seahorse figure made from penny coins.
