0:00:01 > 0:00:05Good morning. You are warmly invited for the best seat in the
0:00:05 > 0:00:09house on an historic day for Wales, a brass band, children's choir, a
0:00:09 > 0:00:15flypast from the RAF. It can only mean one thing. Some very important
0:00:15 > 0:00:18visitors are heading this way right now. The Royal party is on its way.
0:00:18 > 0:00:28Welcome to this special live coverage of the Royal Opening of
0:00:28 > 0:00:44
0:00:44 > 0:00:47the fourth term of the National Good morning. If you are watching
0:00:48 > 0:00:52on BBC One Wales or BBC Parliament, thanks for joining us on this very
0:00:52 > 0:00:56important day for Wales. It's the Royal Opening of the recently-
0:00:56 > 0:01:00elected National Assembly for Wales. The fourth session of the assembly
0:01:00 > 0:01:04since it began in 1999. The Queen will be arriving in
0:01:04 > 0:01:07Cardiff Bay very shortly. She'll be accompanied by the Duke of
0:01:07 > 0:01:11Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. You will
0:01:11 > 0:01:15see it all here live. So please don't go away. Plenty going on
0:01:15 > 0:01:21before that though. The Senedd has been a hive of activity since early
0:01:21 > 0:01:24this morning and guests have been arriving for the last hour or so.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28The red carpet has been laid out and it wouldn't be complete without
0:01:28 > 0:01:32a marching band who are right now, the Royal Air Force Band. They're
0:01:33 > 0:01:36in action and will continue playing for a while to entertain the crowds.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40After that, the ceremony begins with the procession of Assembly
0:01:40 > 0:01:43members, judges and the Armed Forces. So we have lots for you, so
0:01:43 > 0:01:48I hope you will stay with me for all of that.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51An important Royal event like today wouldn't be complete without a
0:01:51 > 0:01:55Royal observer, of great distinction, the author of
0:01:55 > 0:02:00countless books on the Royal Family, Brian Hoey is with me. A very warm
0:02:00 > 0:02:04welcome. This new institution quickly assumings all the pomp and
0:02:04 > 0:02:08pageantry that you would expect of an ancient institution? It does
0:02:08 > 0:02:14indeed and the Queen by turning up so often, I mean she came in 1999,
0:02:14 > 0:02:18as you said, to open the initial Assembly of Wales, it's now an
0:02:18 > 0:02:22integral part of the Royal calendar, a part that she places as much
0:02:22 > 0:02:26importance on as she does the state opening of Parliament. It really is
0:02:26 > 0:02:29quite, quite significant the Queen has come. And of course, a great
0:02:29 > 0:02:34compliment to the principality of Wales that she's accompanied by her
0:02:34 > 0:02:37son, the Prince of Wales. Well, today isn't just about
0:02:37 > 0:02:42pageantry, it's all about politics. Our guide is the BBC's political
0:02:42 > 0:02:46reporter, Bethan Lewis. This new Assembly has substantially beefed
0:02:46 > 0:02:51up powers, doesn't it? Yes, it does. As Brian said, the Queen has been
0:02:51 > 0:02:55here three times before to do this, to open the Assembly. What's
0:02:55 > 0:03:00different this time is that the Assembly has direct law-making
0:03:00 > 0:03:04powers, following the referendum on MASH 5th when the people of Wales
0:03:04 > 0:03:08voted to give the Assembly stronger powers in the devolved area. So
0:03:08 > 0:03:12this time, more powerful muscular Assembly and I'm sure the Queen and
0:03:12 > 0:03:16people speaking today will refer to that in their addresses. The crowds
0:03:16 > 0:03:19have been gathering outside hoping to see the VIPs, don't forget it's
0:03:19 > 0:03:23the Queen, but also the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and
0:03:23 > 0:03:28the Duchess of Cornwall. Let's cross now to Cardiff Bay and our
0:03:28 > 0:03:33reporter Elliw Gwawr is talking to the sightseeers.
0:03:33 > 0:03:38Yes, I'm here with the crowds out here waiting anxiously to see the
0:03:38 > 0:03:43Royal party. The RAF band are playing behind us. I've just seen
0:03:43 > 0:03:47the Assembly members walk into the Senedd. With me here are a couple
0:03:48 > 0:03:52of people from Cardiff who've come specially here to see the ceremony
0:03:52 > 0:03:59today. It's Anne and Judy. Can you tell me where you have come from
0:03:59 > 0:04:03today? I've come from the other side of Cardiff. Why have you come
0:04:03 > 0:04:08here today? We want to see Her Majesty and to present the Duke of
0:04:08 > 0:04:12Edinburgh with a birthday card, if we can, from Camilla and a balloon
0:04:12 > 0:04:17from Camilla. And this is Camilla the dog? Yes, Camilla, she's an
0:04:17 > 0:04:21avid Royal fan. When they come on television, she sits up and barks,
0:04:21 > 0:04:24she absolutely loves the Queen, don't you, Camilla. Have you been
0:04:24 > 0:04:29into the Senedd before? What do you think of the ceremony? It's
0:04:29 > 0:04:34important that the Queen comes here, is it? Oh, yes, quite. Yes, yes
0:04:34 > 0:04:38very important that she comes to Wales to the assembly every four
0:04:38 > 0:04:41years. Let's speak to another Anne over here as well. Why do you think
0:04:41 > 0:04:46it was important to come here today? We should show our
0:04:46 > 0:04:51appreciation of the Queen. She does so much for us sheerbgs brilliant.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54She's had the sense of duty over all these years and I want to say
0:04:54 > 0:04:57thank you, basically -- she's brilliant. Thank you very much. We
0:04:57 > 0:05:02hope to speak to a few more people in the crowd later in the programme.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05Thank you. We'll return to the crowds later. Brian, you detect a
0:05:05 > 0:05:09warmth among the crowds in more recent times for the Royal Family.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13I remember sitting in the studio with you some years back and there
0:05:13 > 0:05:18was a certain sort of thinness to the crowds which you don't detect
0:05:18 > 0:05:20any more. Absolutely. There is a ground swell of affection and
0:05:20 > 0:05:26goodwill, certainly towards the Queen and I think towards the rest
0:05:26 > 0:05:30of the family. Of course, a lot of it has been in the last month since
0:05:30 > 0:05:33the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, the Duke
0:05:33 > 0:05:37and Duchess of Cambridge. This has spread throughout the entire Royal
0:05:37 > 0:05:42Family I believe. There is an affection, you are quite right
0:05:42 > 0:05:45Jamie, that when we spoke a few years ago, there was a marked
0:05:45 > 0:05:49indifference to the monarchy in general and to certain members of
0:05:49 > 0:05:53the Royal Family in particular. I think this followed on, of course,
0:05:53 > 0:05:57from the death of the late Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997, when
0:05:57 > 0:06:00people felt that Royalty had abandoned her and indirectly it led
0:06:00 > 0:06:06to the cause of her death, I suppose. Whereas now, they believe
0:06:06 > 0:06:10that there is a great stability to the monarchy and of course, you get
0:06:10 > 0:06:13this huge affection for anyone who's been on the throne for nearly
0:06:13 > 0:06:1660 years, which the Queen will have been next year.
0:06:16 > 0:06:21And the Duke of Edinburgh celebrating his birthday shortly as
0:06:21 > 0:06:25well? On Friday. 90 years old on Friday and still going strong,
0:06:25 > 0:06:30still as gruff as ever, still as likely to make gaffes, but he
0:06:30 > 0:06:35doesn't call them gaffes, he says he's just being forthright in his
0:06:35 > 0:06:38views. The Prince of Wales is also here today, underlining that sense
0:06:38 > 0:06:43of successive support for devolution? Yes, he is. Of course,
0:06:44 > 0:06:46what you have to remember is that the Royal Family generally, and
0:06:46 > 0:06:50it's believed the Queen in particular, did not favour
0:06:50 > 0:06:53devolution. The reason being, of course, because they saw any threat
0:06:53 > 0:06:57to the break-up of the United Kingdom, which might result from
0:06:58 > 0:07:01devolution in Wales and in Scotland, would also be a threat to the
0:07:01 > 0:07:06monarchy. But it hasn't worked out that way at all. And now, they're
0:07:06 > 0:07:10seeing that it can work, that the Assembly, the Welsh Government, is
0:07:10 > 0:07:13working, and they're here to put, if you like, a Royal seal of
0:07:13 > 0:07:18approval on it. It's a great compliment I think to the Assembly,
0:07:18 > 0:07:23to the Government and the pale of Wales, that they are here today.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26Bethan Lewis, lots of new faces in this Assembly. We have lost lots of
0:07:26 > 0:07:31familiar faces of people who've lost their seats or stood down. A
0:07:31 > 0:07:35new line-up in many ways? 20 plus new AMs this time after the
0:07:35 > 0:07:40election in May, so some people will be experiencing this ceremony,
0:07:40 > 0:07:43this big day for the first time. I think the Assembly Members, like
0:07:43 > 0:07:50everyone else probably, enjoy the spectacle and the ceremony involved,
0:07:50 > 0:07:54although obviously some AMs have chosen not to take part for Plaid
0:07:54 > 0:07:57Cymru Assembly Members are boycotting today's events because
0:07:58 > 0:08:02they're Republicans, they say they have other priorities and aren't
0:08:02 > 0:08:05going to take part. Generally speaking, most of the AMs enjoy the
0:08:05 > 0:08:08day and the spectacle like everybody else. I respect the views
0:08:08 > 0:08:13of the Plaid Cymru members to stand up for what they believe is right,
0:08:13 > 0:08:18but it does seem a rather petty mark of disrespect to the sovereign
0:08:18 > 0:08:25not to turn up on this occasion. I'm sure they'll have their own
0:08:25 > 0:08:29views on that. They're also other absentees here. Other Assembly
0:08:29 > 0:08:34members here because of irregularitys in their election
0:08:34 > 0:08:39campaigns? Yes, 60AMs, that is what we are used to, there should be 60,
0:08:39 > 0:08:45but officially only 58 because two Liberal Democrat AMs have been
0:08:45 > 0:08:47disgalifyed for breaking election rules -- disqualified. They're not
0:08:47 > 0:08:50Assembly members at the moment and can't take their seats. That's
0:08:50 > 0:08:54being investigated by the police at the moment. At the same time, there
0:08:55 > 0:08:59could be a vote in the Assembly possibly next week where they could
0:08:59 > 0:09:04be reinstated. There is an option to do that, but things are very
0:09:04 > 0:09:08much uncertain their future, so two Lib Dems absent because of election
0:09:08 > 0:09:15irregularities. You are watching the central band
0:09:15 > 0:09:20of the RAF marking the start of the ceremony. They'll march from the
0:09:20 > 0:09:23main entrance of the Pierhead building towards the Wales
0:09:24 > 0:09:33Millennium Centre, along the bay down here head Street and proceed
0:09:33 > 0:09:41to the front of the Senedd. The band is led by the director of
0:09:41 > 0:09:47music, Piers Morrell, a Flight Lieutenant. A bit of drizzle in
0:09:47 > 0:09:51Cardiff Bay, a few umbrellas out. I think that music from the central
0:09:51 > 0:09:54band of the RAF is warming the cockles of the crowd. Music's been
0:09:54 > 0:10:01a big part of the Royal Air Force since its very beginning. The
0:10:01 > 0:10:09service began life, of course, as the Royal Flying Corps. It started
0:10:09 > 0:10:13in 1912 and in 1918 became the Royal Air Force. The central band
0:10:13 > 0:10:18of the Royal Air Force was then established. Itz has notable
0:10:18 > 0:10:22achievements in history. In 19 22, it was the first military band to
0:10:22 > 0:10:27broadcast on BBC Radio, remaining to this very day the most
0:10:27 > 0:10:31frequently featured military band on the radio. And, as one of the
0:10:31 > 0:10:37most important military bands in the United Kingdom, the central
0:10:37 > 0:10:41band is always in enormous demand. They undertake, I think it's about
0:10:41 > 0:10:46370 engagements a year, so you can do the math, more than one a day on
0:10:46 > 0:10:52some occasions. There's a Welsh instrumentalist among them today,
0:10:52 > 0:10:58Alex Pippin is there. Jamie, you are giving your youth away when you
0:10:58 > 0:11:02talk about 19 22 and being on radio. It was 2LO, the wireless in those
0:11:02 > 0:11:07days. You don't say you were there?! I remember it well!
0:11:07 > 0:11:11If you are as young as me, I should explain, Brian Hoey used to present
0:11:11 > 0:11:16Wales Today today many years ago. 50 years ago next year, believe it
0:11:16 > 0:11:19or not. I wasn't going to bring that up you see. In more recent
0:11:19 > 0:11:23years, Brian has written all about the Royal Family and in particular,
0:11:23 > 0:11:27as we wait for the Queen to arrive, you've written the book recently
0:11:28 > 0:11:32about The Royal Train which is how the Queen arrives in Cardiff this
0:11:33 > 0:11:35morning. You have been inside it? Absolutely, I spent a year on and
0:11:35 > 0:11:38off travelling in The Royal Train throughout the country and it was
0:11:38 > 0:11:43absolutely incredible. The one thing I wanted to know, how did
0:11:43 > 0:11:46they always manage to get The Royal Train to stop where the Queen
0:11:46 > 0:11:50stepped out on to the Royal carpet and it's the same way as they did
0:11:50 > 0:11:54in Queen Victoria's day. They would have a man with a yellow flag stood
0:11:54 > 0:11:59at the other end of the platform and the driver has to stop opposite
0:11:59 > 0:12:07the yellow flag. It's extraordinary. The procession is now leaving and
0:12:07 > 0:12:13making its way down towards the Senedd. It's led by the mace bearer,
0:12:13 > 0:12:20David Melding, who is the Deputy Presiding Officer. He's joined by
0:12:20 > 0:12:30members of the armed services. And, of course, the judiciary. Judge
0:12:30 > 0:12:30
0:12:30 > 0:12:37Mervyn Hughes, John Curran. Nicholas Cook. Nicholas Chambers QC,
0:12:37 > 0:12:46Mr Justice Wyn Williams, Mr Justice Griffith Williams. Justice Lloyd
0:12:46 > 0:12:53Jones, justice Kitchen. Justice Wood, the honourable Mr Justice
0:12:53 > 0:12:57Beetson. Mr Justice Roderick Evans, the Royal justice Elias and Thomas
0:12:57 > 0:13:07and Pill. The Right Honourable Lord judge, the Lord Chief Justice of
0:13:07 > 0:13:08
0:13:08 > 0:13:18England and Wales. And also with them, members of the Assembly, the
0:13:18 > 0:13:23
0:13:23 > 0:13:29Chief Executive and clerk and, of An important day for David Melding,
0:13:29 > 0:13:35the mace bearer. He's the South Wales central Conservative AM,
0:13:35 > 0:13:40elected to the role of Deputy Presiding Officer back in May. And
0:13:40 > 0:13:46he's represented his neck of the woods since the very beginning in
0:13:46 > 0:13:501999. He was born in Neeth and went to University of Wales Cardiff and
0:13:50 > 0:13:56spent some time in the US studying at the college of William and Mary
0:13:56 > 0:14:00in Virginia. Before he came into politics, he was manager of the
0:14:00 > 0:14:06Carers National Association in Wales. Former Deputy director of
0:14:06 > 0:14:14the Welsh Centre for International Affairs. What about this mace that
0:14:14 > 0:14:22you can see? It was presented to the National Assembly by the new
0:14:22 > 0:14:26South Wales Parliament in March 2006. The ceremony or the
0:14:26 > 0:14:30ceremonial significance is that this mace derives from a medieval
0:14:30 > 0:14:37weapon carried by the Monarch's bodyguard. It's the symbol, if you
0:14:37 > 0:14:42like, of Parliamentary authority in the UK. But not just in the UK,
0:14:42 > 0:14:46across the Members of Parliament of the Commonwealth. You won't just
0:14:46 > 0:14:51see them in Wales or Westminster. They're used in ceremonial
0:14:51 > 0:14:56occasions in Members of Parliament, but also in Local Government and in
0:14:56 > 0:15:04universities. I guess that they symbolise the
0:15:04 > 0:15:12power of the Monarch. When the mace is carried on occasions when the
0:15:12 > 0:15:18sovereign is not present, it's carried with the clubbed end upper
0:15:18 > 0:15:23most. Then, in the presence of the sovereign, like today, the mace is
0:15:23 > 0:15:28carried reversed with the club headed pointed downwards. That
0:15:28 > 0:15:38symbolises the presence of the sovereign, the Queen. And it
0:15:38 > 0:16:00
0:16:00 > 0:16:06reduces the potential of the mace The VIPs are heading their way.
0:16:06 > 0:16:14Jamie, you can see a selection of the AMs. Some newer AMs.
0:16:14 > 0:16:24Rhodri, Morgan, his wife, now Cardiff North, AM. She was an MP.
0:16:24 > 0:16:30
0:16:30 > 0:16:40Mike Hedges, the new Swansea AM. Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, past
0:16:40 > 0:16:41
0:16:41 > 0:16:46Presiding Officer and Alun Jones. An interesting day for Dafydd Elis-
0:16:46 > 0:16:56Thomas. He has presided over the Queen's previous visits. Today he's
0:16:56 > 0:17:14
0:17:14 > 0:17:19no longer in that role. The Ministry of Defence decides
0:17:19 > 0:17:23that each of the services of the Armed Forces takes it in turns to
0:17:23 > 0:17:29provide a band for the Royal Opening of the National Assembly
0:17:29 > 0:17:39for Wales. In 2007, it was the Navy who entertained the guests and
0:17:39 > 0:17:43
0:17:43 > 0:17:46crowds. This year, the turn of the RAF to provide the band.
0:17:46 > 0:17:56Inside the Senedd, these are students from the Royal College of
0:17:56 > 0:18:07
0:18:07 > 0:18:17Now, the first fanfare that we're going to hear this morning is the
0:18:17 > 0:18:27work of the royal composer Sir Arthur Bliss. It is Fanfare to
0:18:27 > 0:18:39
0:18:39 > 0:18:48Shake's peer. They will hear -- David Melding, the macebearer is
0:18:48 > 0:18:51now entering the chamber of the Senedd.
0:18:51 > 0:18:56I have had the opportunity of lifting that mace a short while ago.
0:18:56 > 0:19:06I thought it would be hollow. It's not. It is solid. It weighs about
0:19:06 > 0:19:1340 pounds. David Melding now stands with the
0:19:13 > 0:19:17mace in front of the Presiding Officer's desk.
0:19:17 > 0:19:24The mace is still in reverse, awaiting the arrival of Her Majesty
0:19:24 > 0:19:29the Queen. You can see, taking their seats,
0:19:29 > 0:19:34the VIPs., the judges and their guests.
0:19:34 > 0:19:44Shortly, the Assembly Members will take their seats too. All awaiting
0:19:44 > 0:19:49
0:19:49 > 0:19:56David Melding, as you said, a very big day for him. The role of the
0:19:56 > 0:20:00Deputy Presiding Officer tends to be a local this - standing for the
0:20:00 > 0:20:05Presiding Officer in the chamber during the sessions. Obviously, on
0:20:05 > 0:20:12this occasion, it is a very high- profile role for him. He's taking a
0:20:12 > 0:20:19leading role in this procession and in this ceremony. If you have not
0:20:19 > 0:20:22been there, this really is the most delightful building, designed by
0:20:22 > 0:20:28the award winning architect Sir Richard Rogers and opened by the
0:20:28 > 0:20:33Queen, back in 2006. It's designed in an open-plan
0:20:33 > 0:20:40layout, which allows you to see straight through the imposing
0:20:40 > 0:20:44wooden funnel in the middle, and on to the chamber - the heart of Welsh
0:20:44 > 0:20:48democracy, the heart of the building. It is supposed to
0:20:48 > 0:20:54symbolise openness and transparency and encourage democratic debate. It
0:20:54 > 0:21:01was built and designed to not be Westminster - if I can put it like
0:21:01 > 0:21:05that - so lots of glass walls, and lots of transparency. The building
0:21:05 > 0:21:10is based on green principles, which I am sure the Prince of Wales will
0:21:10 > 0:21:17have a view about. It's made from materials sourced from all over
0:21:17 > 0:21:25Wales. The First Minister is about to take his place in the chamber.
0:21:25 > 0:21:31While he does, as we look down at that building, it's not just about
0:21:31 > 0:21:36Cardiff, you know, 1,000 tonnes of Welsh slate was used in its
0:21:36 > 0:21:40construction. All types of renewable technologies. It's the
0:21:40 > 0:21:48most eco friendly building in the country, above these guests
0:21:48 > 0:21:54arriving is a huge wooden chimney, which is a wind-assisted rotating
0:21:54 > 0:21:58one, which is used to ventilate that inner space, and then high-
0:21:58 > 0:22:04level air outlets assess the effectiveness of the natural
0:22:04 > 0:22:10ventilation, so you will not hear any air con decisions. This helps
0:22:10 > 0:22:16the building's energy consumption. Rosemary Butler, the Presiding
0:22:16 > 0:22:26Officer is on your screen now, walking to her seat. An exciting
0:22:26 > 0:22:31day for her. She takes her position in front of the Queen.
0:22:31 > 0:22:36The ceremonial start of her new role replacing Lord Dafydd Elis-
0:22:36 > 0:22:40Thomas. A big day for Rosemary Butler. It
0:22:40 > 0:22:44doesn't get much bigger than this, welcoming and guiding the Queen
0:22:44 > 0:22:50around the Assembly. Also, strangely for Dafydd Elis-Thomas,
0:22:50 > 0:22:56as you said too, he has presided over these occasions since 1999. He
0:22:56 > 0:23:00was instrumental in actually deciding on the original format of
0:23:00 > 0:23:08how this ceremony, the procession and the events would take place. He
0:23:08 > 0:23:13has put his mark on that. They are looking to establish a
0:23:13 > 0:23:19process, a procession and a symbolic occasion. It is similar
0:23:19 > 0:23:29every time it happens, like the state opening of Parliament.
0:23:29 > 0:23:29
0:23:29 > 0:23:39The First Minister, walking to his seat.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41The other party leaders following him behind.
0:23:41 > 0:23:47Representatives of the churches in Wales - all of them here
0:23:47 > 0:23:57represented. A substantial crowd outside,
0:23:57 > 0:23:59
0:23:59 > 0:24:04waiting to greet the royal party. The Presiding Officer and the First
0:24:04 > 0:24:14Minister take up their positions on the red carpet, waiting to greet
0:24:14 > 0:24:14
0:24:14 > 0:25:15Apology for the loss of subtitles for 61 seconds
0:25:15 > 0:25:19Her Majesty the Queen and the rest A proud day for Carwyn Jones today,
0:25:19 > 0:25:23who stands on the red carpet, waiting to greet Her Majesty the
0:25:24 > 0:25:28Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of
0:25:28 > 0:25:36Cornwall. He has a difficult few months and years ahead of him. He
0:25:36 > 0:25:42did not win a majority at the election, back in May, so he faces
0:25:42 > 0:25:48some tricky times in becoming legislative weeks and months.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52Labour won 30 of the 60 seats in the election, in May's election.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56They have decided to go it alone in Government. So, yes, they there
0:25:56 > 0:26:01have to be a lot of discipline within the Labour group if they are
0:26:01 > 0:26:06going to win all those votes over the next few months and years and
0:26:06 > 0:26:10some negotiating, I imagine, with the other parties as well. You
0:26:10 > 0:26:17should remember, this is the first time Carwyn Jones has taken such a
0:26:17 > 0:26:21leading role in the opening of the Assembly. He took over from Rhodri
0:26:21 > 0:26:24Morgan, mid-way through the last term. He has not been First
0:26:24 > 0:26:28Minister for this big occasion before.
0:26:28 > 0:26:36The central band of the RAF, on good form this morning in Cardiff
0:26:36 > 0:26:42Bay. There are also 60 RAF air cadets
0:26:42 > 0:26:46here today, lining the route, drawn from all over Wales. They've been
0:26:46 > 0:26:51selected for the receiving line inside the Senedd. They have been
0:26:51 > 0:26:57selected on the basis of their achievements either in the field of
0:26:57 > 0:27:03sport or in charity work. An exciting day for them too.
0:27:03 > 0:27:13It's the RAF who dominate the scene here today, the RAF band and the
0:27:13 > 0:27:30
0:27:30 > 0:27:40The train has arrived in Cardiff station. The royal party is making
0:27:40 > 0:27:57
0:27:57 > 0:28:02the short journey from Cardiff The protocol for what happens today
0:28:02 > 0:28:08for this Royal Opening is based on the previous three Royal Openings.
0:28:08 > 0:28:14The idea is it evolves into a recognisable ceremony in the future,
0:28:14 > 0:28:18that the procedure and protocol, as Bethan was saying was first decided
0:28:18 > 0:28:22upon by Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, while he was Presiding Officer, as
0:28:22 > 0:28:28well as officials of the National Assembly for Wales. Some Assembly
0:28:28 > 0:28:32Members, in conjunction with palace officials. Much of the protocol of
0:28:32 > 0:28:37official ceremonies at Westminster is based on long-standing procedure,
0:28:37 > 0:28:41which has been followed for centuries. This institution, the
0:28:41 > 0:28:47National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff Bay is still young, still
0:28:47 > 0:28:50in its infancy. The procedures for events like
0:28:50 > 0:29:00today, this Royal Opening, are still developing and changing each
0:29:00 > 0:29:00
0:29:00 > 0:29:06time. The royal standard flying in
0:29:06 > 0:29:11Cardiff Bay, Brian Hoey? Absolutely and the reason why royal programmes
0:29:11 > 0:29:16run to time is because they've had a reconnaissance visit three months
0:29:16 > 0:29:20ago when one of the Queen's Private Secretarys, a lady in waiting and
0:29:20 > 0:29:25personal protection officer would have come down, they would have met
0:29:25 > 0:29:30opposite numbers in the Welsh Assembly, they would have gone over
0:29:30 > 0:29:35every section of this ceremony, with a stopwatch in hand, every
0:29:35 > 0:29:41segment being timed. Attention to time is a by-word in the royal
0:29:41 > 0:29:51household. Her Majesty, the Queen is arriving in Cardiff Bay.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54
0:29:54 > 0:30:03The royal cars arrive on the Her Majesty, the Queen and his
0:30:03 > 0:30:13Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh will be greeted by John
0:30:13 > 0:30:30
0:30:30 > 0:30:35It's dried up. The rain has stayed away at least for now.
0:30:35 > 0:30:45An enthusiastic crowd. Lots of children here from all over the
0:30:45 > 0:30:49
0:30:49 > 0:30:57country, from schools in Cardiff. We've also got a junior school from
0:30:57 > 0:31:04Abergele, Denby school is represented. Queen Street Primary
0:31:04 > 0:31:14School is represented also. Her Majesty the Queen arrives at the
0:31:14 > 0:31:21
0:31:21 > 0:31:28The vice Lord lieutenant of South Glamorgan provides the wife of the
0:31:28 > 0:31:32vice Lord Lieutenant and His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales and
0:31:32 > 0:31:40Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall are greeted by Peter Beck,
0:31:40 > 0:31:48Lord Lieutenant of South Glamorgan who presents Lynn Beck, wife of the
0:31:48 > 0:31:53Lord Lieutenant. And the vice Lord Lieutenant then presents the
0:31:53 > 0:31:56Presiding Officer, Rosemary Butler, to Her Majesty the Queen and His
0:31:56 > 0:31:58Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh. The Lord Lieutenant
0:31:58 > 0:32:03presents the First Minister to their Royal Highnesses, the Prince
0:32:03 > 0:32:13of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. And that's the flypast.
0:32:13 > 0:32:13
0:32:13 > 0:32:21Four hawks from 208 Squadron, RAF Valley, led by flight Lieutenant
0:32:21 > 0:32:31Stubbs. Flying over the bay in a northerly direction over the Senedd
0:32:31 > 0:32:31
0:32:31 > 0:34:36Apology for the loss of subtitles for 61 seconds
0:34:36 > 0:34:40The RAF Central Band playing the anthems. The Queen's squadron
0:34:40 > 0:34:44carries out a ceremonial exhibition drill now in salute of the
0:34:44 > 0:34:54sovereign, whilst carrying the squadron standard. The Queen's
0:34:54 > 0:35:00
0:35:00 > 0:35:10The Royal party now makes its way into the Senedd chamber. The Queen,
0:35:10 > 0:35:48
0:35:48 > 0:35:54led by the new Presiding Officer, This is the specially commissioned
0:35:54 > 0:36:04fanfare by the Welsh composer Gareth Woodsand it's called Royal
0:36:04 > 0:36:04
0:36:04 > 0:37:05Apology for the loss of subtitles for 61 seconds
0:37:05 > 0:37:15The Deputy Presiding Officer, David Melding, bows to Her Majesty, the
0:37:15 > 0:37:16
0:37:16 > 0:37:20Queen. And he turns the mace to acknowledge her presence. He now
0:37:20 > 0:37:28leads the Royal procession. The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the
0:37:28 > 0:37:33Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the other special
0:37:33 > 0:37:38guests are all led into the heart of the building, the Assembly
0:37:38 > 0:37:48Chamber. We are going to hear from the
0:37:48 > 0:37:48
0:37:48 > 0:37:58Presiding Officer and the First Minister. We'll also hear from Her
0:37:58 > 0:38:35
0:38:35 > 0:38:45The Deputy Presiding Officer, David Melding, returns the mace to its
0:38:45 > 0:39:02
0:39:02 > 0:39:06On behalf of my fellow Assembly Members, I would like to extend a
0:39:06 > 0:39:09warm welcome to our guests, from all parts of Wales and further
0:39:09 > 0:39:13afield. It is a particular pleasure for me,
0:39:13 > 0:39:17as one of my first responsibilities, as Presiding Officer, to welcome
0:39:17 > 0:39:22our Royal guests. Your Majesty, we are so pleased
0:39:22 > 0:39:26that you have been able to return here to the Senedd at the beginning
0:39:26 > 0:39:31of our fourth Assembly, as we mark another significant stage in the
0:39:31 > 0:39:36history of devolution. The people of Wales, rightly, have high
0:39:36 > 0:39:40expectations of us. Today is a celebration, but it's
0:39:40 > 0:39:45also an opportunity to reflect on the role that lies ahead as we
0:39:45 > 0:39:48strive to meet those expectations. Thank you, on behalf of all the
0:39:48 > 0:39:51Assembly Members, for being here today, and for the close interest
0:39:51 > 0:39:59that you continue to take in our work.
0:39:59 > 0:40:05May I invite your Majesty to address the national stem. --
0:40:06 > 0:40:11National Assembly. Presiding Officer, members of the
0:40:11 > 0:40:16National Assembly for Wales, it gives me great pleasure to be with
0:40:16 > 0:40:20you today on the occasion of the opening of the fourth National
0:40:20 > 0:40:25Assembly for Wales. I congratulate you on your election as members of
0:40:25 > 0:40:32the National Assembly, now charged with legislating for the people of
0:40:32 > 0:40:39Wales, more widely than ever before. These new competences will bring
0:40:39 > 0:40:43important challenges for you all. For some, today marks a return to
0:40:43 > 0:40:50the Assembly for a further term, bringing continuity and experience
0:40:50 > 0:40:55to bear on the work of this chamber. For others, elected to this
0:40:55 > 0:41:00assembly for the first time, these are new duties.
0:41:01 > 0:41:06But whatever the combination of experience and new blood, this
0:41:06 > 0:41:11Assembly is here to represent the interests of Wales and its people,
0:41:12 > 0:41:15to make the laws for Wales and to hold the Welsh Government to
0:41:16 > 0:41:23account. These vital functions of democracy
0:41:23 > 0:41:27now rest on your shoulders and much will be expected of you.
0:41:27 > 0:41:32The National Assembly of Wales can call upon an impressive record of
0:41:32 > 0:41:39achievement. It has coped admirably with the growth in the powers
0:41:39 > 0:41:45granted to it since devolution. In the period since I was last with
0:41:45 > 0:41:50you in 2007, a remarkable flow of important legislation has been
0:41:50 > 0:41:58introduced in matters of real importance to the people of Wales.
0:41:58 > 0:42:02This has covered a diverse range of topics, mainly with distinctly will,
0:42:02 > 0:42:06characteristics and, has often been greatly influenced bid the
0:42:06 > 0:42:12interests of individual members, committees and the Assembly
0:42:12 > 0:42:20Commission. During the various evolutionry
0:42:20 > 0:42:23stages of devolution in Wales, the Assembly has a well-deserved
0:42:23 > 0:42:30reputation for diligence and competence. You are now entrusted
0:42:30 > 0:42:33with the authority to make laws in all matters contained within the 20
0:42:33 > 0:42:41subjects devolved to the Assembly. And, for the first time, you will
0:42:41 > 0:42:44be a passing Assembly Acts. The performance of the Assembly in
0:42:44 > 0:42:49discharging these new responsibilities will be closely
0:42:49 > 0:42:53scrutinised here in Wales and elsewhere.
0:42:53 > 0:42:59But on the evidence of what the National Assembly has already
0:42:59 > 0:43:06achieved these past 12 years, and with the commitment of you all,
0:43:06 > 0:43:10there is every cause for confidence in the future.
0:43:10 > 0:43:16Presiding Officer, Assembly Members, this fourth Assembly marks a
0:43:16 > 0:43:20significant development in the history of devolution in Wales. I
0:43:20 > 0:43:26trust that with these new powers, you will remain devoted to the task
0:43:26 > 0:43:36of serving the best interests of all the people of Wales. I wish you
0:43:36 > 0:43:52
0:43:52 > 0:43:57Your Majesty, your Royal highness, Presiding Officer, Assembly Members,
0:43:57 > 0:44:04distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of all the
0:44:04 > 0:44:09Assembly Members gathered here, may I begin by thanking your Majesty
0:44:09 > 0:44:19for your warm and sincere wishes. We are honoured to welcome you here
0:44:19 > 0:44:24
0:44:24 > 0:44:29As one of the founding members of this Assembly, it's my great honour
0:44:29 > 0:44:34to stand before you today as First Minister at the official opening of
0:44:35 > 0:44:38this fourth Assembly term. Both as First Minister and as an
0:44:38 > 0:44:42Assembly member, it's my privilege to serve the people of Wales, a
0:44:42 > 0:44:45privilege that I will never lose sight of.
0:44:45 > 0:44:49Today represents an important new beginning, both for the National
0:44:49 > 0:44:55Assembly and the Welsh Government. We begin this term with an enhanced
0:44:55 > 0:45:00set of powers confered on us following the referendum in
0:45:00 > 0:45:03mafrpblt the Welsh people expressed a clear choice about the kind of
0:45:03 > 0:45:08devolution they want -- March. On 5th May, they sent us here with
0:45:08 > 0:45:13their instructions for Government. The responsibility which I and all
0:45:13 > 0:45:16of us have is to carry out those instructions diligently and in the
0:45:16 > 0:45:20national interest of Wales as a whole.
0:45:20 > 0:45:24All the people of this country, irrespective of who they voted for,
0:45:24 > 0:45:28or even if they didn't vote at all, are entitled to expect that their
0:45:28 > 0:45:33Government will try to serve their interests in good faith and as
0:45:33 > 0:45:37First Minister, that is my pledge. There are challenges ahead and
0:45:37 > 0:45:41difficult decisions between competing choices that will have to
0:45:41 > 0:45:46be made. But this is fundamentally, I believe, a time of optimism for
0:45:46 > 0:45:52Wales. We have the powers to make a difference. I and the Government I
0:45:52 > 0:45:55lead will work night and day to improve our Public Services, to
0:45:55 > 0:45:59protect the vulnerable, to educate and prepare our young people for
0:45:59 > 0:46:09work, to promote our industry at home and abroad and to do all that
0:46:09 > 0:46:10
0:46:10 > 0:46:16we can to make Wales healthier and TRANSLATION: I am grateful to Your
0:46:16 > 0:46:19Majesty's good wishes. I, in turn, wish all of the Assembly Members
0:46:19 > 0:46:25every success in our common endeavours, to serve the people of
0:46:25 > 0:46:29Wales. Four majesty's good wishes. I, in
0:46:29 > 0:46:35turn, wish all the Assembly Members every success in our common
0:46:35 > 0:46:45endeavours to serve the people of Wales.
0:46:45 > 0:46:53
0:46:53 > 0:47:03APPLAUSE The First Minister, Carwyn Jones,
0:47:03 > 0:47:05
0:47:05 > 0:47:15ending the speeches here at the Senedd. The Queen signs the co-
0:47:15 > 0:47:35
0:47:35 > 0:47:45memmor rayive parchment. This is the Wales Herald, Thomas
0:47:45 > 0:47:48
0:47:48 > 0:47:54Lloyd, High Sheriff. He took over responsibility from Michael Simms,
0:47:54 > 0:48:02who retired from that role after 16 years. The Wales Herald
0:48:02 > 0:48:06Extraordinary, like other Heralds Extraordinarys is not an officer of
0:48:06 > 0:48:12arms, who hold full-time appointments, but they take part in
0:48:12 > 0:48:17state occasions, such as the state opening of Parliament by the
0:48:17 > 0:48:23sovereign and the guards' ceremony at Windsor.
0:48:23 > 0:48:30A lot to talk about, Bethan Lewis - three significant speeches on an
0:48:30 > 0:48:36historic day. We keep saying that, but it very much is. And all the
0:48:36 > 0:48:39Speakers refer tods the significant development in -- referred to the
0:48:39 > 0:48:43significant developments in devolution since the Royal Opening
0:48:43 > 0:48:47ceremony. Rosemary Butler talked of a
0:48:48 > 0:48:53significant stage in devolution. Her Royal Highness, the Queen
0:48:53 > 0:48:59talked of a significant history in devolution and Carwyn Jones talked
0:48:59 > 0:49:04of an important new beginning. A great sense of enhanced powers, but
0:49:04 > 0:49:08also the responsibility that brings. We heard the Queen talk about the
0:49:08 > 0:49:12responsibility on Assembly Members to use these powers and said also a
0:49:12 > 0:49:18warning their performance will be closely scrutinised, she said, but
0:49:18 > 0:49:25also saying the performance thus far t Assembly over the previous 12
0:49:25 > 0:49:32years gave her cause for confidence that it would deliver on that.
0:49:32 > 0:49:42And would represent the people of Wales appropriately. This is the
0:49:42 > 0:49:44
0:49:44 > 0:49:50royal harpist, Clare Jones, as the royal party meet guests after the
0:49:50 > 0:49:57Assembly. She is from Pembrokeshire and was appointed harpist to the
0:49:57 > 0:50:01Prince of Wales in 2007. She provided the musical backdrop to
0:50:01 > 0:50:11the royal wedding as the newlyweds returned from the palace from
0:50:11 > 0:50:17
0:50:17 > 0:50:22I should point out that Jocelyn Davies is representing Plaid Cymru
0:50:22 > 0:50:28today because the party leader, Ieuan Wyn Jones, is not here, he is
0:50:28 > 0:50:32still on half term leave. Last week was the half term break.
0:50:32 > 0:50:36I'm not surprised that the Assembly Members after their long election
0:50:36 > 0:50:46campaign, after the referendum campaign before that, took an
0:50:46 > 0:50:46
0:50:46 > 0:50:51opportunity to have a break. Jocelyn Davies there. The Duchess
0:50:51 > 0:50:56of Cornwall has made her second visit to Wales in the week.
0:50:56 > 0:50:59She was at the Hay Festival just a few days ago, encouraging children
0:50:59 > 0:51:05to read and parents to read to children.
0:51:05 > 0:51:11She's back in Wales today. She's back in Wales today for a
0:51:11 > 0:51:18more formal, more ceremonial role. Paul Murphy talking to the Duke of
0:51:18 > 0:51:25Edinburgh, the former Secretary of State for Wales.
0:51:25 > 0:51:30They are members of the Privy Council, at the ceremony also in
0:51:30 > 0:51:40that capacity. The Duke has a busy week ahead of him. He celebrates
0:51:40 > 0:51:43
0:51:43 > 0:51:53his 90th birthday on Friday. The Queen was 85 on 21st April.
0:51:53 > 0:52:00
0:52:00 > 0:52:03That's David Roser from the CBI, I mentioned earlier that all the
0:52:03 > 0:52:09Church leaders were represented here.
0:52:09 > 0:52:14This is very much an interfaith celebration, with representatives
0:52:14 > 0:52:24from all faith groups. The Archbishop of Wales greeting the
0:52:24 > 0:52:30
0:52:30 > 0:52:33It's long been the tradition to celebrate the Queen's birthday
0:52:33 > 0:52:43publicly with Trooping the Colour in a day in the summer when good
0:52:43 > 0:52:53weather is more likely. This year it will be celebrated on Saturday.
0:52:53 > 0:52:53
0:52:53 > 0:54:00Apology for the loss of subtitles for 61 seconds
0:54:00 > 0:54:05You can hear the choir entertaining They were established in 2008 to
0:54:05 > 0:54:12compete and have taken part in competitions all over Britain. 35
0:54:12 > 0:54:20members in the choir, ages ranging from nine to 14 years old. The
0:54:20 > 0:54:26children are drawn from seven schools from across Rhondda.
0:54:27 > 0:54:33A proud day for the conductor of that choir.
0:54:33 > 0:54:43The First Minister, Carwyn Jones, joining the Prince of Wales,
0:54:43 > 0:54:56
0:54:56 > 0:55:03listening to Gavin Ashcroft playing The Royal Party makes its way out
0:55:03 > 0:55:13of the Senedd. They make their way into the
0:55:13 > 0:55:14
0:55:14 > 0:55:18daylight. Rosemary Butler, the Presiding
0:55:18 > 0:55:24Officer, accompanying Her Majesty the week.
0:55:24 > 0:55:34The Prince of Wales exchanging a few words with well wishers,
0:55:34 > 0:55:34
0:55:34 > 0:55:37accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall.
0:55:37 > 0:55:41This morning, Lord Dafydd Elis- Thomas, the former Presiding
0:55:41 > 0:55:44Officer told the BBC that he thought the Prince of Wales was a
0:55:44 > 0:55:50great devolutionist. He didn't get the interview with the Prince of
0:55:50 > 0:56:00Wales, but that is what Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas said.
0:56:00 > 0:56:02
0:56:02 > 0:56:07There's a healthy crowd here today, as you can see.
0:56:07 > 0:56:12A sigh of relief, I think, from those taking part in the formal
0:56:12 > 0:56:16proceedings, now that they are over, because for at least two of those
0:56:16 > 0:56:20people, the First Minister, Carwyn Jones, and the Presiding Officer,
0:56:20 > 0:56:25Rosemary Butler - experienced though they are - this is their
0:56:25 > 0:56:28first time doing that particular job.
0:56:28 > 0:56:38They will be well used to addressing big audiences, but I am
0:56:38 > 0:56:42sure they would have had a few nerves ahead of today, because it's
0:56:42 > 0:56:46not a usual train of their events - it happens every four years. Next
0:56:46 > 0:56:53time it will be after five years because this Assembly term lasts
0:56:53 > 0:57:03five years. The children there from Big Town
0:57:03 > 0:57:16
0:57:16 > 0:57:23The Royal Party making its way down the red carpet, leaving the Senedd,
0:57:23 > 0:57:33and heading off just around the corner to the Wales Millenium
0:57:33 > 0:57:35
0:57:35 > 0:57:42Centre in Cardiff Bay, where the royal duties continue. The rain has
0:57:42 > 0:57:46held off, Jamie! It's a bit windy though. There is a brisk wind, as
0:57:46 > 0:57:49you can see from the flags. Thank goodness the rain held off,
0:57:49 > 0:57:54otherwise all the children and the members of the RAF band would have
0:57:54 > 0:57:59got a soaking earlier on. The royal party, the Queen the Duke of
0:57:59 > 0:58:09Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall now making
0:58:09 > 0:58:25
0:58:25 > 0:58:29a short journey, just a few hundred They are going to be attending a
0:58:30 > 0:58:39pre-lunch reception for Assembly Members. They will meet Assembly
0:58:39 > 0:58:43outreach groups and be entertained by Only Men Aloud.
0:58:43 > 0:58:47I can exclusively reveal what they will have for lunch, when we are
0:58:47 > 0:58:54approaching that time and my thoughts turn to that direction,
0:58:54 > 0:58:59you have guessed it - it's Welsh lamb. Lunch is prepared by the
0:58:59 > 0:59:05Welsh National Culinary Team and chefs from the Wales Millenium
0:59:05 > 0:59:10Centre. As far as the entertainment goes,
0:59:10 > 0:59:16musicians from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and a
0:59:16 > 0:59:19harpist from the college, along with the orchestra of the Central
0:59:19 > 0:59:24Band of the RAF will be entertaining the guests.
0:59:24 > 0:59:29Then after that lunch, at the Wales Millenium Centre - they look very
0:59:29 > 0:59:33happy to be there - don't they? - some happy faces and flag-waving
0:59:33 > 0:59:39there. This has been a special day for them too.
0:59:39 > 0:59:44After lunch, at the Wales Millenium Centre - that great big copper-
0:59:45 > 0:59:50domed building you can see on the left-hand of your screen, the Royal
0:59:50 > 1:00:00Party leave Cardiff - their duties done and return to Cardiff Station
1:00:00 > 1:00:31
1:00:31 > 1:00:36And today, the starting gun, if you like, for the start of a new
1:00:36 > 1:00:43Assembly term and a significantly beefed up Assembly with new law-
1:00:43 > 1:00:49making powers. It's today it form Ali starts with the speech from Her
1:00:49 > 1:00:54Majesty the Queen -- formally. Greeted by a very enthusiastic,
1:00:54 > 1:01:01young crowd here, who will probably remember this day for some time to
1:01:01 > 1:01:06come. They can say that they were here. They won't have far to go if
1:01:06 > 1:01:16they want to go round and see the Royal procession again because
1:01:16 > 1:01:23
1:01:23 > 1:01:28Well, Brian, Hoey, there we are, the ceremony done and the National
1:01:28 > 1:01:33Assembly for Wales started on its work -- Brian Hoey. An historic day
1:01:33 > 1:01:38in Royal terms? Yes, they are now officially open. Now they have to
1:01:38 > 1:01:43get down to the nitty-gritty and do all the work, of course. I think it
1:01:43 > 1:01:48was important that the Queen made the speech that she did, not a
1:01:48 > 1:01:50single word, of course, written by her, as with the state opening of
1:01:50 > 1:01:54her, as with the state opening of Parliament. The first draft of that
1:01:54 > 1:01:59speech would have been written for her by her principal private
1:01:59 > 1:02:02secretary, Christopher Gyte, a former SAS soldier. He then would
1:02:02 > 1:02:05have sent it over to Number Ten Downing Street for the Prime
1:02:05 > 1:02:09Minister to have a look at it, add or delete whatever he feels ought
1:02:09 > 1:02:14to be there. Then it would go to the Welsh office for the Welsh
1:02:14 > 1:02:19Secretary to have a look at it, and of course to Carwyn Jones, the
1:02:19 > 1:02:22First Minister. She is actually speaking on behalf of her
1:02:22 > 1:02:25Government. This Government, the Wales Government, is her Government,
1:02:25 > 1:02:30as much as the Government that she speaks about from the House of
1:02:30 > 1:02:35Lords at the state opening of Parliament any November whatsoever.
1:02:35 > 1:02:38It's virtually a Royal seal of approval and I thought also Carwyn
1:02:38 > 1:02:43Jones's reply was, he doesn't have to submit it to anybody else of
1:02:43 > 1:02:48course, he just does it himself, but it was very gracious and very
1:02:48 > 1:02:51respectful without being over- reverential. That's important. We
1:02:51 > 1:02:56have now lost the need to be reverential and deaf Rennestial, as
1:02:56 > 1:03:04we were in the early days of the Queen's reign. No longer do we have
1:03:04 > 1:03:08to reflect when mentioning a Royal name, and that's no bad thing --
1:03:08 > 1:03:12reverential. It's down to hard politics? It is and I'm sure the
1:03:12 > 1:03:15Assembly Members will be pleased that the ceremony is done, now it's
1:03:15 > 1:03:19down to the work that they've been elected to do. Picking up on what
1:03:19 > 1:03:24Brian was saying, the big difference between the Queen's
1:03:24 > 1:03:27speech here and the quien's speech at Westminster is that at
1:03:27 > 1:03:31Westminster she sets out the Government's legislative programme
1:03:31 > 1:03:34-- Queen's Speech. She says what the Government will be doing for
1:03:34 > 1:03:38the next term. She doesn't include that content in terms of
1:03:38 > 1:03:41legislation in her speech here, it's more about the general
1:03:41 > 1:03:46principles that she expects from the Government over the next term.
1:03:46 > 1:03:50Yes, she hasn't set the agenda, has she? No, it's a different purpose
1:03:50 > 1:03:54isn't it? Yes, absolutely. Let's cross back to the Assembly now and
1:03:54 > 1:03:58talk to our political reporter Carl Roberts who's been watching all
1:03:58 > 1:04:02those events, and he's got some special guests with him.
1:04:02 > 1:04:08Hi, I have some special guests with me. They are just watching
1:04:08 > 1:04:13proceedings outside. I'm joined by Gavin Ashcroft, Megan and Courtney
1:04:13 > 1:04:18who you may have heard singing. You will have heard Gavin accompanying
1:04:18 > 1:04:20the choir. Tell us what was the experience like you playing for the
1:04:20 > 1:04:23Queen? It was a wonderful experience, certainly one that the
1:04:23 > 1:04:28children will remember for the rest of their lives, so we are very
1:04:28 > 1:04:32happy. Let's see what the children think of it. Megan, you've sang for
1:04:32 > 1:04:36the Queen, saw her walk by. How do you feel now? Really excited, you
1:04:36 > 1:04:40get goose bumps and everything and just want to sing your best. You
1:04:41 > 1:04:44get a feeling when she looks at you, and even though she's standing
1:04:44 > 1:04:48there, you still get goose bumps and everything, it was amazing.
1:04:48 > 1:04:54Courtney, were you happy with the way that you sang, I think you were
1:04:54 > 1:04:58very good? Yes, I think we sang very good, I wonder what the Queen
1:04:58 > 1:05:02thinks. Her presence made us sing a bit more with our hearts. That
1:05:02 > 1:05:08certainly came across. Gavin, tell the people at home what songs that
1:05:08 > 1:05:13you did song? We sang a song by Rob Darwin, about the hope for Wales
1:05:13 > 1:05:19for the future, so it's very apt for this day. You've had a day off
1:05:19 > 1:05:23school to come here. Have you been to the Senedd before? Yes, we've
1:05:23 > 1:05:29sang here before and a few of us opened it when it first opened, we
1:05:29 > 1:05:34sang here for the opening. So you are old hands at it then. What was
1:05:34 > 1:05:38your favourite song that you sang for the Queen today? The one that
1:05:38 > 1:05:43means so much to us, the meaning of it is that we've walked through our
1:05:43 > 1:05:47path of childhood in Wales and we are so proud to be in Wales and in
1:05:47 > 1:05:52the national Assembly, it's just amazing as an experience. You have
1:05:52 > 1:05:56enjoyed your day, it's a day you will never forget and the same goes
1:05:56 > 1:06:00for you, Gavin? Definitely. Back to the studio.
1:06:00 > 1:06:03Thank you very much indeed. Let's have another word with Brian and
1:06:03 > 1:06:07Bethan. Brian, this is a very British affair, this new
1:06:07 > 1:06:11institution, which hasn't been going very long, just in a very
1:06:11 > 1:06:14British way takes on all the pomp and circumstance that you wouldn't
1:06:14 > 1:06:19expect with young institutions. It doesn't have some more of the
1:06:19 > 1:06:24ancient ritual of Westminster, but it gathers ritual nonetheless?
1:06:24 > 1:06:29it will have eventually. If you saw, if it were possible for us to see
1:06:29 > 1:06:31the state opening of Parliament even 200 years ago, it would be
1:06:31 > 1:06:35bear very little relation to the state opening of Parliament in
1:06:35 > 1:06:40Westminster that we see today. These ceremonies evolve over the
1:06:40 > 1:06:45years. Each one brings something new. As Bethan said, most of the
1:06:46 > 1:06:50framework for the present ceremony we saw today was built by Lord
1:06:50 > 1:06:53Elis-Thomas as the Presiding Officer. Irpbg he takes much of the
1:06:53 > 1:06:57credit for the wonderful success we've seen today -- I think he
1:06:57 > 1:07:01takes much of the credit for the wonderful success we've seen today.
1:07:01 > 1:07:05It does evolve and we have had a new Presiding Officer for the first
1:07:05 > 1:07:09time. We've had a new Deputy Presiding Officer carrying that
1:07:10 > 1:07:16very, very heavy mace, which I think he did absolutely brilliantly
1:07:16 > 1:07:20with, needs a large gin and tonic at the moment. We saw the First
1:07:20 > 1:07:23Minister, Rhodri Morgan, who was very experienced, not only in the
1:07:23 > 1:07:31Welsh Assembly, but in the Westminster Parliament, they've all
1:07:31 > 1:07:37been there before. Also, we had a new Wales herald extraordinary,
1:07:37 > 1:07:43Thomas Lloyd O bech E, got that for his work on ancient buildings --
1:07:43 > 1:07:47OBE. He behaved brilliantly. He had to go up to St James's Palace
1:07:47 > 1:07:52yesterday to meet York Herald, another man who originally comes
1:07:52 > 1:07:57from Cardiff and he was showing the new Wales Herald how to put on his
1:07:58 > 1:08:01tabard and all the finery that they have to wear. They've all behaved
1:08:01 > 1:08:05brilliant and and it's worked out well. This is what they are going
1:08:05 > 1:08:09to build on, this is the ceremonial protocol that we'll see coming in
1:08:09 > 1:08:14years ahead of us. Today was a civilised day, all parties taking
1:08:14 > 1:08:19place in the civilised ceremony. Bethan Lewis, it won't be like that
1:08:19 > 1:08:23for too long one suspects without a majority this Government is going
1:08:23 > 1:08:27to have troubled times ahead? it's likely to be a challenge. At
1:08:28 > 1:08:31the moment, of course, they have got a majority because you haven't
1:08:31 > 1:08:34got those two Liberal Democrat AMs sitting at the moment. But
1:08:34 > 1:08:41obviously, that won't last. It will be resolved somehow when either
1:08:41 > 1:08:45those two AMs will be reinstated or the next two from the party will on
1:08:45 > 1:08:48the regional list take over those seats.
1:08:48 > 1:08:52But yes, normal service will be resumed shortly and, of course,
1:08:52 > 1:09:00from tomorrow, First Minister's Questions, the normal business will
1:09:00 > 1:09:04get established. So far, we haven't really had the cut and thrust of
1:09:04 > 1:09:07politics yet. We've had votes to choose the Presiding Officer, the
1:09:07 > 1:09:11Deputy Presiding Officer, but over the next few weeks now, before
1:09:11 > 1:09:17theed end of term, we'll get more discussion about legislation which
1:09:17 > 1:09:20is what they've been elected to do. Brian Hoey, one must always be
1:09:20 > 1:09:25circumspect about newspaper reports, but we read this week the Queen's
1:09:25 > 1:09:28concern, it's reported, on Scottish devolution and her concerns about
1:09:28 > 1:09:31Scotland's direction with regard to independence. We don't really know
1:09:31 > 1:09:35the Queen's view on devolution, do we? We don't know, but we can
1:09:35 > 1:09:40gather it from the sort of discussions that go around the
1:09:40 > 1:09:44coffee tables and dining tables at St James's Palace and Clarence
1:09:44 > 1:09:49House and Buckingham Palace. I, name-dropping like mad, go into
1:09:49 > 1:09:52Buckingham Palace fairly frequently. One hears that, as I said earlier,
1:09:52 > 1:09:57the Queen didn't, was rather suspicious about devolution in the
1:09:57 > 1:09:59first place because she saw it as perhaps a threat to the break-up to
1:09:59 > 1:10:03the United Kingdom which it would be if there is independence for
1:10:03 > 1:10:05Wales and independence for Scotland, it would be a break-up of the
1:10:05 > 1:10:14United Kingdom and therefore perhaps would be a slight threat,
1:10:14 > 1:10:20maybe more than a slight threat, to the understand tuetion of monarchy
1:10:20 > 1:10:23hems -- the institution of monarchy herself. There is a ground swell of
1:10:23 > 1:10:28affection and goodwill towards the Royal Family and certainly towards
1:10:28 > 1:10:32the Queen and let us to be hoped also, that Prince William, the new
1:10:32 > 1:10:34Duke of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine, they'll
1:10:35 > 1:10:37continue with their association with Wales and cement the
1:10:37 > 1:10:41relationship. This is a very different kind of devolution in
1:10:41 > 1:10:46Wales to the way devolution he's turned out in Scotland, isn't it?
1:10:46 > 1:10:56It is, of course. But what's striking really is how things have
1:10:56 > 1:10:57
1:10:57 > 1:11:02developed in Wales since 1999. If Mr Elis-Thomas said about the Queen
1:11:02 > 1:11:08being an enthusiastic devolutionist, he'll be happy about how things
1:11:08 > 1:11:12have gone since 1999. The ceremony in 1999 was rather more low-key
1:11:12 > 1:11:16than it is now, that's probably to do with the powers, as the Assembly
1:11:16 > 1:11:21has accumulated powers, the ceremony seems to have gotten
1:11:21 > 1:11:24bigger. It's evolving. And that's gone hand in hand with moving from
1:11:24 > 1:11:31the original chamber to the new purpose-built chamber which lends
1:11:31 > 1:11:36itself to a greater expent. VIPs are pouring out of the
1:11:36 > 1:11:40Assembly and chamber and heading just a short way up the road where
1:11:40 > 1:11:45today's celebrations and Royal events continue. They're making
1:11:46 > 1:11:53their way to the Wales Millennnium Centre where lunch is served and
1:11:53 > 1:11:58we've managed to way lay two of those VIPs who are talking to Carl
1:11:58 > 1:12:03Roberts, our reporter, in the Senedd. They mustn't be delayed
1:12:03 > 1:12:07toons for their lunch, I'm sure, Carl, but let's have a word with
1:12:07 > 1:12:11them now -- delayed too long. They are quite happy to talk to us
1:12:11 > 1:12:16now. Welcome to you both. Lord Elis-Thomas, for the first time
1:12:16 > 1:12:21today, you weren't there to greet the Queen as she arrived to open an
1:12:21 > 1:12:25Assembly. How does that feel? feels wonderful, it's the
1:12:25 > 1:12:28institution that's the important thing, not the individuals. I know
1:12:28 > 1:12:31the interest that the Queen has take none the development of
1:12:31 > 1:12:35devolution and of course, specially the strong interest of the Prince
1:12:35 > 1:12:39of Wales who was also here. I wish perhaps we could have had the young
1:12:39 > 1:12:43Royal couple, but this wasn't possible this time, but I hope
1:12:44 > 1:12:53they'll visit here soon. In terms of the pomp and protocol we saw
1:12:53 > 1:12:57today, you've had a role in that. Where was the pomp?? It was a
1:12:57 > 1:13:02proper Air Force band and they played political yantly and to see
1:13:02 > 1:13:05the cadets take part in the ceremony, the navy did the previous
1:13:05 > 1:13:11opening and the Army did the opening of the building itself,
1:13:11 > 1:13:14this is a case where ceremonial in Wales is undertaken by Armed Forces,
1:13:14 > 1:13:21usually by serving people from Wales and it was something which
1:13:21 > 1:13:25was put to me when I first visited an area and saw the soldiers who'd
1:13:25 > 1:13:29served in Bosnia and they said we don't do ceremonial at all, we must
1:13:29 > 1:13:33do something about it. Archbishop Barry Morgan, you were
1:13:33 > 1:13:37heavily involved in the yes campaign for more powers. The Queen
1:13:37 > 1:13:40has opened the 4th semi-which has full law-making powers. How do you
1:13:41 > 1:13:44feel having work sod hard to achieve that? I'm delighted that
1:13:44 > 1:13:50Wales said yes in the referendum and it was good to have the Queen
1:13:50 > 1:13:54refer to that and to say that how important it was for Wales. I think
1:13:54 > 1:13:59today is an important milestone in the development of Wales as a
1:13:59 > 1:14:03nation and, as the former President of the Assembly says, you know, we
1:14:03 > 1:14:06have our own way of doing things here. If you compare from with the
1:14:06 > 1:14:10opening of Parliament in Westminster, it's totally different
1:14:11 > 1:14:14and I would call this a kind of dignified informality. There was an
1:14:14 > 1:14:17informality about it, but there was a dignity about it, that's very
1:14:17 > 1:14:23important for us as a nation that we do things in our own particular
1:14:23 > 1:14:27way and style. We see the people behind us getting on their feet now,
1:14:27 > 1:14:31making their way over to the Millennnium Centre for lunch where
1:14:31 > 1:14:35we'll join them later. We have all kinds of people from civic society.
1:14:35 > 1:14:40How important is that to you? Crucially. There are people
1:14:40 > 1:14:44representing all kinds of voluntary societies, institutions in Wales.
1:14:44 > 1:14:48It's much more democratic, I think, than in other places. I think
1:14:48 > 1:14:53that's very important. People who've worked in local kphruents,
1:14:53 > 1:14:59as well as Lord -- communities, as well as Lord Lieutenants and high
1:14:59 > 1:15:04Sheriffs as thinding like that. Finally, put into words how
1:15:04 > 1:15:07different you think this assembly will be to previous ones? It's a
1:15:07 > 1:15:10development which Her Majesty the Queen said which I can now say I
1:15:10 > 1:15:13thought it was a brilliant speech for the occasion and she hit the
1:15:13 > 1:15:16right note I think and challenged us for the future. The most
1:15:16 > 1:15:20important thing about today is that we are walking to lunch. This is a
1:15:20 > 1:15:25green event. We are having this in the bay, sharing the Millennnium
1:15:25 > 1:15:29Centre. The Welsh team, my friends there are at it, as we speak, it
1:15:29 > 1:15:33will be Welsh lamb, we'll be all right! I shall not keep you from
1:15:33 > 1:15:43your lunch a moment longer. Thank you both very much for joining us,
1:15:43 > 1:15:45
1:15:45 > 1:15:50You are watching BBC One Wales and BBC Parliament and live coverage of
1:15:50 > 1:15:55Her Majesty the Queen's Royal Opening of the new session of the
1:15:55 > 1:16:00National Assembly, following the election in Wales in May. You are
1:16:00 > 1:16:05watching the VIPs, the distinguished guests leaving the
1:16:05 > 1:16:11National Assembly and heading out into a rather windy Cardiff Bay,
1:16:11 > 1:16:16and making the short walk, just up the road, to the Wales Millenium
1:16:16 > 1:16:21Centre, which will be very familiar to the Queen, because she opened it
1:16:21 > 1:16:26in 2004. It's quickly established a
1:16:26 > 1:16:30reputation as one of the world's iconic arts and cultural
1:16:30 > 1:16:37destinations. Lots of concerts whatever your taste in music and
1:16:37 > 1:16:44the arts and drama. It's a very significant, not just
1:16:44 > 1:16:48culturally but a landmark in Cardiff.
1:16:48 > 1:16:55It's an unusual tourist attraction because in addition to these people
1:16:55 > 1:17:03filing out and making their way there now, the Wales Millenium
1:17:03 > 1:17:08Centre ux their destination, has --, their des din nation has welcomed
1:17:08 > 1:17:13eight million visitors, making it number one visitor attraction in
1:17:13 > 1:17:16Wales, hardly surprising given all the plays and music which takes
1:17:16 > 1:17:22part there every week. That is the direction of the guests who are
1:17:22 > 1:17:30leaving the formal part of today's events at the National Assembly,
1:17:30 > 1:17:35and making their way up the road. I am joined in the studio by the
1:17:35 > 1:17:39royal author Brian Hoey, author of many royal books and our political
1:17:39 > 1:17:44author with the BBC, Bethan Lewis. If you were sitting at home
1:17:44 > 1:17:48watching the telly today, thinking, so what, how does this affect me?
1:17:48 > 1:17:55Today does, doesn't it? Things change in Wales because of the
1:17:55 > 1:17:59election and its formal start of the legislative programme today.
1:17:59 > 1:18:03Yes, well this ceremony officially kick-starts this fourth Assembly
1:18:03 > 1:18:07term, as we have been talking about it is now down to politicians to
1:18:07 > 1:18:11get on with the job of legislating. They will do it from now on with
1:18:11 > 1:18:16greater powers than they've ever had.
1:18:16 > 1:18:23Now they have direct law-making powers in those' r areas devolved
1:18:23 > 1:18:28to the Assembly -- in those areas devolved to the Assembly. They did
1:18:28 > 1:18:32have some powers, but they had to go to Westminster and get
1:18:32 > 1:18:36permission to legislate in certain areas. Now they can do it without
1:18:36 > 1:18:42reference to Westminster. So, in theory, stronger powers to leg
1:18:42 > 1:18:45shraitd, and the arguments for the -- legislate, and the argument was
1:18:45 > 1:18:51it was more effective, could be more responsive to what the people
1:18:51 > 1:18:59of Wales wanted. The Queen, the First Minister referred to the
1:19:00 > 1:19:05politicians to use those powers as they see fit. When making laws now
1:19:05 > 1:19:10do they have to get the royal assent? They still do, but rather
1:19:10 > 1:19:15than getting it for Assembly measures and for the bids for power,
1:19:15 > 1:19:20the come pi tense orders which gave them powers to formulate those
1:19:20 > 1:19:25measures they get royal assent for Assembly bills which then become
1:19:25 > 1:19:31Assembly acts. The Welsh Assembly will have a Direct Line to
1:19:31 > 1:19:34Buckingham Palace? It will. Brian, we have sat on previous Royal
1:19:34 > 1:19:42Openings and watched thin crowds and not the warmest of welcomes,
1:19:42 > 1:19:47but this was a delightful warm welcome for Her Majesty and the
1:19:47 > 1:19:51Queen and the royal party. I wonder how significant it is that the
1:19:51 > 1:19:57Prince of Wales has a home in Wales and Prince William has made his
1:19:57 > 1:20:01home on Anglesey? It is much more important that William is based in
1:20:01 > 1:20:09Anglesey and he and the Duchess now have their farm house, they have
1:20:09 > 1:20:14had it a long time. Now that east much more significant than the
1:20:14 > 1:20:19Prince of Wales -- now that's much more significant than the Prince of
1:20:19 > 1:20:25Wales having a home in Wales. They have spent one night at their home.
1:20:25 > 1:20:31As the Archbishop said just now, he said about this particular ceremony
1:20:32 > 1:20:41this morning, it was dignified, yet informal. I felt, looking at the
1:20:42 > 1:20:42
1:20:43 > 1:20:46crowds outside, and the guests inside, there was a spon tin theyty
1:20:46 > 1:20:51-- spontaneity. There was a much more spontaneous response. The
1:20:51 > 1:20:56Welsh people are much warmer any way. Let's take a break there. If
1:20:56 > 1:21:00you are just joining us, you are watching live coverage of the Royal
1:21:00 > 1:21:04Opening of the National Assembly. Why don't we just hear now from Her
1:21:04 > 1:21:14Majesty the Queen and her speech that she gave just a few moments
1:21:14 > 1:21:20
1:21:20 > 1:21:24Presiding Officer, members of the National Assembly for Wales, it
1:21:24 > 1:21:28gives me great pleasure to be with you today, on the occasion of the
1:21:28 > 1:21:33opening of the fourth National Assembly for Wales.
1:21:33 > 1:21:38I congratulate you on your election as members of a National Assembly,
1:21:38 > 1:21:44now charged with legislating for the people of Wales more widely
1:21:44 > 1:21:50than ever before. These new competences will bring important
1:21:50 > 1:21:55challenges for you all. For some, today marks a return to
1:21:55 > 1:22:01the Assembly for a further term, bringing continuity and experience
1:22:01 > 1:22:07to bear on the work of this chamber. For others, elected to this
1:22:07 > 1:22:11Assembly for the first time, these are new duties.
1:22:11 > 1:22:17Whatever the combination of experience and new blood, this
1:22:17 > 1:22:22Assembly is here to represent the interests of Wales and its people.
1:22:22 > 1:22:26To make the laws for Wales and to hold the Welsh Government to
1:22:26 > 1:22:33account. These vital functions of democracy
1:22:33 > 1:22:38now rest on your shoulders and much will be expected of you.
1:22:38 > 1:22:43The National Assembly of Wales can call upon an impressive record of
1:22:43 > 1:22:47achievement. It has coped with the growth in the
1:22:47 > 1:22:54powers granted to it since devolution.
1:22:54 > 1:22:57In the period since I was last with you, in 2007, a remarkable flow of
1:22:57 > 1:23:05important legislation has been introduced in matters of real
1:23:05 > 1:23:10importance to the people of Wales. This has covered a diverse range of
1:23:10 > 1:23:14topics, mainly with distinctly Welsh characteristics. And has
1:23:14 > 1:23:21often been greatly influenced by the influence of individual members,
1:23:21 > 1:23:25committees and the Assembly commission.
1:23:25 > 1:23:30During the various evolutionary stages of devolution in Wales, the
1:23:30 > 1:23:34Assembly has earned itself a well- deserved reputation for diligence
1:23:34 > 1:23:41and competence. You are now entrusted with the
1:23:41 > 1:23:46authority to make laws in all matters contained within the 20
1:23:46 > 1:23:52subjects devolved to the Assembly. For the first time, you will be
1:23:52 > 1:23:56passing Assembly acts. The performance of the Assembly in
1:23:56 > 1:24:02charging these new responsibilities will be closely scrutinised here in
1:24:02 > 1:24:07Wales and elsewhere. But on the evidence of what the
1:24:07 > 1:24:11National Assembly has already achieved these past 12 years, and
1:24:11 > 1:24:18with the commitment of you all, there is every cause for confidence
1:24:18 > 1:24:22in the future. Presiding Officer, Assembly Members,
1:24:22 > 1:24:29this fourth Assembly marks a significant development in the
1:24:29 > 1:24:33history of devolution in Wales. I trust that with these new powers
1:24:33 > 1:24:40you will remain devoted to the task of serving the best interests of
1:24:40 > 1:24:44all the people of Wales. I wish you every success.
1:24:44 > 1:24:48APPLAUSE Her Majesty, the Queen, speaking to
1:24:48 > 1:24:52the National Assembly just a few minutes ago on this, the Royal
1:24:52 > 1:24:57Opening of the new session of the National Assembly for Wales. Let's
1:24:57 > 1:25:05get some reaction to the Queen now and let's cross over to the chamber
1:25:05 > 1:25:10and hear from the Secretary of State for Wales, Cheryl Gillan.
1:25:10 > 1:25:15Can I have your reaction to the day? It has been a wonderful day
1:25:15 > 1:25:18for Wales. To have Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh and
1:25:18 > 1:25:23the Prince of Wales here for the opening has been just a wonderful
1:25:23 > 1:25:27day for the Assembly. Of course it does mark a change for the Assembly,
1:25:27 > 1:25:31because after the referendum the Assembly now has primary powers in
1:25:31 > 1:25:39areas which have been devolved to it. It was a lovely ceremony from
1:25:39 > 1:25:42what I saw of it. Of course, it's a great day for Wales to have a --
1:25:42 > 1:25:48four members of the Royal Family here. You think it is important
1:25:48 > 1:25:53they come here and take part in the opening ceremony? Very much so. We
1:25:53 > 1:25:57are a United Kingdom, Wales is a proud country within that United
1:25:57 > 1:26:01Kingdom. You only have to see how much the children enjoyed it and
1:26:01 > 1:26:05the fly-past we had. It gives the Assembly the status it deserves. It
1:26:05 > 1:26:12was a great day for Wales and the Assembly and a great privilege for
1:26:12 > 1:26:16me to be part of it. You are off for lunch now, I understand? There
1:26:16 > 1:26:19is lunch after the official opening. It will be a day that will be long
1:26:19 > 1:26:23remembered, particularly by the children and the members of the
1:26:23 > 1:26:32armed services that were here. It was a proud day. Thank you very
1:26:32 > 1:26:36much Cheryl Gillan. Thank you very much indeed to the
1:26:36 > 1:26:39royal commentator Brian Hoey. Thank you for your time. Good to see you
1:26:39 > 1:26:44and also to BBC political reporter Bethan Lewis. Thank you very much
1:26:44 > 1:26:48for your company this morning. That just about brings us to the end of
1:26:48 > 1:26:52our live coverage of the Queen's Royal Opening of the new session of
1:26:52 > 1:26:57the National Assembly. It is a particularly historic occasion
1:26:57 > 1:27:01because this Assembly is now more powerful than ever before. It has
1:27:01 > 1:27:07new law-making powers and becomes a Welsh Parliament in all but name.