Queen makes first visit to Wales in five years, joined by Prince Charles and Camilla for opening of sixth Senedd
Queen Elizabeth made her first visit to Wales in five years on Thursday.
The monarch, who was welcomed to town with a 21-Gun salute, was joined for the outing by son Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
The 95-year-old arrived for the Opening Ceremony of the Sixth Session of the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) in Cardiff carrying a walking stick again.
Queen Elizabeth made her first visit to Wales in five years on Thursday Getty
The 95-year-old arrived for the Opening Ceremony of the Sixth Session of the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) in Cardiff carrying a walking stick again Getty
The Queen was first spotted with a cane earlier this week, at a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.
It's the first time in 17 years Her Majesty has used a walking aide but insiders say it is 'for comfort' and not medical reasons.
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During the Queen's address to parliament, she praised the Welsh for being among the first to embrace technology amid the coronavirus pandemic before giving a shout out to frontline workers for their efforts.
"You are also to be commended for your innovation," Her Majesty said, dressed in a soft pink dress coat and hat.
The monarch was joined for the outing by son Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall AP
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall depart after the opening ceremony Getty
"This was the first of the United Kingdom's legislatures to hold a formal virtual meeting. The fact that all parties showed a determination that you should continue to meet is commendable, and testament to your commitment to scrutinise the Government, on behalf of the people of Wales.
"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."
Her Majesty also praised the locals for their warm hospitality to Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince William and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge.
Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall listen as Llywydd (presiding officer) Elin Jones gives her opening remarks inside the Siambr (Chamber) during the ceremonial opening of the Sixth Senedd in Cardiff, Wales. Getty
Queen Elizabeth signs a commemorative parchment after praising Welsh officials and frontline workers for how they dealt with the pandemic Getty
"It is a source of pleasure that both The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, together with The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, have had homes in Wales, and experienced its very special sense of community," she said.
Queen Elizabeth smiled broadly and waved as she left parliament, carrying a posy in hand.
The monarch last visited for the opening ceremony of the Fifth Session of the Senedd, held in 2016.
Queen Elizabeth smiled broadly and waved as she left parliament, carrying a posy in hand Getty
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