The Royal Opening of the National Assembly of Wales

Good morning. You are warmly invited for the best seat in the

house on an historic day for Wales, a brass band, children's choir, a

flypast from the RAF. It can only mean one thing. Some very important

visitors are heading this way right now. The Royal party is on its way.

Welcome to this special live coverage of the Royal Opening of

the fourth term of the National Good morning. If you are watching

on BBC One Wales or BBC Parliament, thanks for joining us on this very

important day for Wales. It's the Royal Opening of the recently-

elected National Assembly for Wales. The fourth session of the assembly

since it began in 1999. The Queen will be arriving in

Cardiff Bay very shortly. She'll be accompanied by the Duke of

Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. You will

see it all here live. So please don't go away. Plenty going on

before that though. The Senedd has been a hive of activity since early

this morning and guests have been arriving for the last hour or so.

The red carpet has been laid out and it wouldn't be complete without

a marching band who are right now, the Royal Air Force Band. They're

in action and will continue playing for a while to entertain the crowds.

After that, the ceremony begins with the procession of Assembly

members, judges and the Armed Forces. So we have lots for you, so

I hope you will stay with me for all of that.

An important Royal event like today wouldn't be complete without a

Royal observer, of great distinction, the author of

countless books on the Royal Family, Brian Hoey is with me. A very warm

welcome. This new institution quickly assumings all the pomp and

pageantry that you would expect of an ancient institution? It does

indeed and the Queen by turning up so often, I mean she came in 1999,

as you said, to open the initial Assembly of Wales, it's now an

integral part of the Royal calendar, a part that she places as much

importance on as she does the state opening of Parliament. It really is

quite, quite significant the Queen has come. And of course, a great

compliment to the principality of Wales that she's accompanied by her

son, the Prince of Wales. Well, today isn't just about

pageantry, it's all about politics. Our guide is the BBC's political

reporter, Bethan Lewis. This new Assembly has substantially beefed

up powers, doesn't it? Yes, it does. As Brian said, the Queen has been

here three times before to do this, to open the Assembly. What's

different this time is that the Assembly has direct law-making

powers, following the referendum on MASH 5th when the people of Wales

voted to give the Assembly stronger powers in the devolved area. So

this time, more powerful muscular Assembly and I'm sure the Queen and

people speaking today will refer to that in their addresses. The crowds

have been gathering outside hoping to see the VIPs, don't forget it's

the Queen, but also the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and

the Duchess of Cornwall. Let's cross now to Cardiff Bay and our

reporter Elliw Gwawr is talking to the sightseeers.

Yes, I'm here with the crowds out here waiting anxiously to see the

Royal party. The RAF band are playing behind us. I've just seen

the Assembly members walk into the Senedd. With me here are a couple

of people from Cardiff who've come specially here to see the ceremony

today. It's Anne and Judy. Can you tell me where you have come from

today? I've come from the other side of Cardiff. Why have you come

here today? We want to see Her Majesty and to present the Duke of

Edinburgh with a birthday card, if we can, from Camilla and a balloon

from Camilla. And this is Camilla the dog? Yes, Camilla, she's an

avid Royal fan. When they come on television, she sits up and barks,

she absolutely loves the Queen, don't you, Camilla. Have you been

into the Senedd before? What do you think of the ceremony? It's

important that the Queen comes here, is it? Oh, yes, quite. Yes, yes

very important that she comes to Wales to the assembly every four

years. Let's speak to another Anne over here as well. Why do you think

it was important to come here today? We should show our

appreciation of the Queen. She does so much for us sheerbgs brilliant.

She's had the sense of duty over all these years and I want to say

thank you, basically -- she's brilliant. Thank you very much. We

hope to speak to a few more people in the crowd later in the programme.

Thank you. We'll return to the crowds later. Brian, you detect a

warmth among the crowds in more recent times for the Royal Family.

I remember sitting in the studio with you some years back and there

was a certain sort of thinness to the crowds which you don't detect

any more. Absolutely. There is a ground swell of affection and

goodwill, certainly towards the Queen and I think towards the rest

of the family. Of course, a lot of it has been in the last month since

the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, the Duke

and Duchess of Cambridge. This has spread throughout the entire Royal

Family I believe. There is an affection, you are quite right

Jamie, that when we spoke a few years ago, there was a marked

indifference to the monarchy in general and to certain members of

the Royal Family in particular. I think this followed on, of course,

from the death of the late Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997, when

people felt that Royalty had abandoned her and indirectly it led

to the cause of her death, I suppose. Whereas now, they believe

that there is a great stability to the monarchy and of course, you get

this huge affection for anyone who's been on the throne for nearly

60 years, which the Queen will have been next year.

And the Duke of Edinburgh celebrating his birthday shortly as

well? On Friday. 90 years old on Friday and still going strong,

still as gruff as ever, still as likely to make gaffes, but he

doesn't call them gaffes, he says he's just being forthright in his

views. The Prince of Wales is also here today, underlining that sense

of successive support for devolution? Yes, he is. Of course,

what you have to remember is that the Royal Family generally, and

it's believed the Queen in particular, did not favour

devolution. The reason being, of course, because they saw any threat

to the break-up of the United Kingdom, which might result from

devolution in Wales and in Scotland, would also be a threat to the

monarchy. But it hasn't worked out that way at all. And now, they're

seeing that it can work, that the Assembly, the Welsh Government, is

working, and they're here to put, if you like, a Royal seal of

approval on it. It's a great compliment I think to the Assembly,

to the Government and the pale of Wales, that they are here today.

Bethan Lewis, lots of new faces in this Assembly. We have lost lots of

familiar faces of people who've lost their seats or stood down. A

new line-up in many ways? 20 plus new AMs this time after the

election in May, so some people will be experiencing this ceremony,

this big day for the first time. I think the Assembly Members, like

everyone else probably, enjoy the spectacle and the ceremony involved,

although obviously some AMs have chosen not to take part for Plaid

Cymru Assembly Members are boycotting today's events because

they're Republicans, they say they have other priorities and aren't

going to take part. Generally speaking, most of the AMs enjoy the

day and the spectacle like everybody else. I respect the views

of the Plaid Cymru members to stand up for what they believe is right,

but it does seem a rather petty mark of disrespect to the sovereign

not to turn up on this occasion. I'm sure they'll have their own

views on that. They're also other absentees here. Other Assembly

members here because of irregularitys in their election

campaigns? Yes, 60AMs, that is what we are used to, there should be 60,

but officially only 58 because two Liberal Democrat AMs have been

disgalifyed for breaking election rules -- disqualified. They're not

Assembly members at the moment and can't take their seats. That's

being investigated by the police at the moment. At the same time, there

could be a vote in the Assembly possibly next week where they could

be reinstated. There is an option to do that, but things are very

much uncertain their future, so two Lib Dems absent because of election

irregularities. You are watching the central band

of the RAF marking the start of the ceremony. They'll march from the

main entrance of the Pierhead building towards the Wales

Millennium Centre, along the bay down here head Street and proceed

to the front of the Senedd. The band is led by the director of

music, Piers Morrell, a Flight Lieutenant. A bit of drizzle in

Cardiff Bay, a few umbrellas out. I think that music from the central

band of the RAF is warming the cockles of the crowd. Music's been

a big part of the Royal Air Force since its very beginning. The

service began life, of course, as the Royal Flying Corps. It started

in 1912 and in 1918 became the Royal Air Force. The central band

of the Royal Air Force was then established. Itz has notable

achievements in history. In 19 22, it was the first military band to

broadcast on BBC Radio, remaining to this very day the most

frequently featured military band on the radio. And, as one of the

most important military bands in the United Kingdom, the central

band is always in enormous demand. They undertake, I think it's about

370 engagements a year, so you can do the math, more than one a day on

some occasions. There's a Welsh instrumentalist among them today,

Alex Pippin is there. Jamie, you are giving your youth away when you

talk about 19 22 and being on radio. It was 2LO, the wireless in those

days. You don't say you were there?! I remember it well!

If you are as young as me, I should explain, Brian Hoey used to present

Wales Today today many years ago. 50 years ago next year, believe it

or not. I wasn't going to bring that up you see. In more recent

years, Brian has written all about the Royal Family and in particular,

as we wait for the Queen to arrive, you've written the book recently

about The Royal Train which is how the Queen arrives in Cardiff this

morning. You have been inside it? Absolutely, I spent a year on and

off travelling in The Royal Train throughout the country and it was

absolutely incredible. The one thing I wanted to know, how did

they always manage to get The Royal Train to stop where the Queen

stepped out on to the Royal carpet and it's the same way as they did

in Queen Victoria's day. They would have a man with a yellow flag stood

at the other end of the platform and the driver has to stop opposite

the yellow flag. It's extraordinary. The procession is now leaving and

making its way down towards the Senedd. It's led by the mace bearer,

David Melding, who is the Deputy Presiding Officer. He's joined by

members of the armed services. And, of course, the judiciary. Judge

Mervyn Hughes, John Curran. Nicholas Cook. Nicholas Chambers QC,

Mr Justice Wyn Williams, Mr Justice Griffith Williams. Justice Lloyd

Jones, justice Kitchen. Justice Wood, the honourable Mr Justice

Beetson. Mr Justice Roderick Evans, the Royal justice Elias and Thomas

and Pill. The Right Honourable Lord judge, the Lord Chief Justice of

England and Wales. And also with them, members of the Assembly, the

Chief Executive and clerk and, of An important day for David Melding,

the mace bearer. He's the South Wales central Conservative AM,

elected to the role of Deputy Presiding Officer back in May. And

he's represented his neck of the woods since the very beginning in

1999. He was born in Neeth and went to University of Wales Cardiff and

spent some time in the US studying at the college of William and Mary

in Virginia. Before he came into politics, he was manager of the

Carers National Association in Wales. Former Deputy director of

the Welsh Centre for International Affairs. What about this mace that

you can see? It was presented to the National Assembly by the new

South Wales Parliament in March 2006. The ceremony or the

ceremonial significance is that this mace derives from a medieval

weapon carried by the Monarch's bodyguard. It's the symbol, if you

like, of Parliamentary authority in the UK. But not just in the UK,

across the Members of Parliament of the Commonwealth. You won't just

see them in Wales or Westminster. They're used in ceremonial

occasions in Members of Parliament, but also in Local Government and in

universities. I guess that they symbolise the

power of the Monarch. When the mace is carried on occasions when the

sovereign is not present, it's carried with the clubbed end upper

most. Then, in the presence of the sovereign, like today, the mace is

carried reversed with the club headed pointed downwards. That

symbolises the presence of the sovereign, the Queen. And it

reduces the potential of the mace The VIPs are heading their way.

Jamie, you can see a selection of the AMs. Some newer AMs.

Rhodri, Morgan, his wife, now Cardiff North, AM. She was an MP.

Mike Hedges, the new Swansea AM. Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, past

Presiding Officer and Alun Jones. An interesting day for Dafydd Elis-

Thomas. He has presided over the Queen's previous visits. Today he's

no longer in that role. The Ministry of Defence decides

that each of the services of the Armed Forces takes it in turns to

provide a band for the Royal Opening of the National Assembly

for Wales. In 2007, it was the Navy who entertained the guests and

crowds. This year, the turn of the RAF to provide the band.

Inside the Senedd, these are students from the Royal College of

Now, the first fanfare that we're going to hear this morning is the

work of the royal composer Sir Arthur Bliss. It is Fanfare to

Shake's peer. They will hear -- David Melding, the macebearer is

now entering the chamber of the Senedd.

I have had the opportunity of lifting that mace a short while ago.

I thought it would be hollow. It's not. It is solid. It weighs about

40 pounds. David Melding now stands with the

mace in front of the Presiding Officer's desk.

The mace is still in reverse, awaiting the arrival of Her Majesty

the Queen. You can see, taking their seats,

the VIPs., the judges and their guests.

Shortly, the Assembly Members will take their seats too. All awaiting

David Melding, as you said, a very big day for him. The role of the

Deputy Presiding Officer tends to be a local this - standing for the

Presiding Officer in the chamber during the sessions. Obviously, on

this occasion, it is a very high- profile role for him. He's taking a

leading role in this procession and in this ceremony. If you have not

been there, this really is the most delightful building, designed by

the award winning architect Sir Richard Rogers and opened by the

Queen, back in 2006. It's designed in an open-plan

layout, which allows you to see straight through the imposing

wooden funnel in the middle, and on to the chamber - the heart of Welsh

democracy, the heart of the building. It is supposed to

symbolise openness and transparency and encourage democratic debate. It

was built and designed to not be Westminster - if I can put it like

that - so lots of glass walls, and lots of transparency. The building

is based on green principles, which I am sure the Prince of Wales will

have a view about. It's made from materials sourced from all over

Wales. The First Minister is about to take his place in the chamber.

While he does, as we look down at that building, it's not just about

Cardiff, you know, 1,000 tonnes of Welsh slate was used in its

construction. All types of renewable technologies. It's the

most eco friendly building in the country, above these guests

arriving is a huge wooden chimney, which is a wind-assisted rotating

one, which is used to ventilate that inner space, and then high-

level air outlets assess the effectiveness of the natural

ventilation, so you will not hear any air con decisions. This helps

the building's energy consumption. Rosemary Butler, the Presiding

Officer is on your screen now, walking to her seat. An exciting

day for her. She takes her position in front of the Queen.

The ceremonial start of her new role replacing Lord Dafydd Elis-

Thomas. A big day for Rosemary Butler. It

doesn't get much bigger than this, welcoming and guiding the Queen

around the Assembly. Also, strangely for Dafydd Elis-Thomas,

as you said too, he has presided over these occasions since 1999. He

was instrumental in actually deciding on the original format of

how this ceremony, the procession and the events would take place. He

has put his mark on that. They are looking to establish a

process, a procession and a symbolic occasion. It is similar

every time it happens, like the state opening of Parliament.

The First Minister, walking to his seat.

The other party leaders following him behind.

Representatives of the churches in Wales - all of them here

represented. A substantial crowd outside,

waiting to greet the royal party. The Presiding Officer and the First

Minister take up their positions on the red carpet, waiting to greet

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 61 seconds

Her Majesty the Queen and the rest A proud day for Carwyn Jones today,

who stands on the red carpet, waiting to greet Her Majesty the

Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of

Cornwall. He has a difficult few months and years ahead of him. He

did not win a majority at the election, back in May, so he faces

some tricky times in becoming legislative weeks and months.

Labour won 30 of the 60 seats in the election, in May's election.

They have decided to go it alone in Government. So, yes, they there

have to be a lot of discipline within the Labour group if they are

going to win all those votes over the next few months and years and

some negotiating, I imagine, with the other parties as well. You

should remember, this is the first time Carwyn Jones has taken such a

leading role in the opening of the Assembly. He took over from Rhodri

Morgan, mid-way through the last term. He has not been First

Minister for this big occasion before.

The central band of the RAF, on good form this morning in Cardiff

Bay. There are also 60 RAF air cadets

here today, lining the route, drawn from all over Wales. They've been

selected for the receiving line inside the Senedd. They have been

selected on the basis of their achievements either in the field of

sport or in charity work. An exciting day for them too.

It's the RAF who dominate the scene here today, the RAF band and the

The train has arrived in Cardiff station. The royal party is making

the short journey from Cardiff The protocol for what happens today

for this Royal Opening is based on the previous three Royal Openings.

The idea is it evolves into a recognisable ceremony in the future,

that the procedure and protocol, as Bethan was saying was first decided

upon by Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, while he was Presiding Officer, as

well as officials of the National Assembly for Wales. Some Assembly

Members, in conjunction with palace officials. Much of the protocol of

official ceremonies at Westminster is based on long-standing procedure,

which has been followed for centuries. This institution, the

National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff Bay is still young, still

in its infancy. The procedures for events like

today, this Royal Opening, are still developing and changing each

time. The royal standard flying in

Cardiff Bay, Brian Hoey? Absolutely and the reason why royal programmes

run to time is because they've had a reconnaissance visit three months

ago when one of the Queen's Private Secretarys, a lady in waiting and

personal protection officer would have come down, they would have met

opposite numbers in the Welsh Assembly, they would have gone over

every section of this ceremony, with a stopwatch in hand, every

segment being timed. Attention to time is a by-word in the royal

household. Her Majesty, the Queen is arriving in Cardiff Bay.

The royal cars arrive on the Her Majesty, the Queen and his

Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh will be greeted by John

It's dried up. The rain has stayed away at least for now.

An enthusiastic crowd. Lots of children here from all over the

country, from schools in Cardiff. We've also got a junior school from

Abergele, Denby school is represented. Queen Street Primary

School is represented also. Her Majesty the Queen arrives at the

The vice Lord lieutenant of South Glamorgan provides the wife of the

vice Lord Lieutenant and His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales and

Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall are greeted by Peter Beck,

Lord Lieutenant of South Glamorgan who presents Lynn Beck, wife of the

Lord Lieutenant. And the vice Lord Lieutenant then presents the

Presiding Officer, Rosemary Butler, to Her Majesty the Queen and His

Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh. The Lord Lieutenant

presents the First Minister to their Royal Highnesses, the Prince

of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. And that's the flypast.

Four hawks from 208 Squadron, RAF Valley, led by flight Lieutenant

Stubbs. Flying over the bay in a northerly direction over the Senedd

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 61 seconds

The RAF Central Band playing the anthems. The Queen's squadron

carries out a ceremonial exhibition drill now in salute of the

sovereign, whilst carrying the squadron standard. The Queen's

The Royal party now makes its way into the Senedd chamber. The Queen,

led by the new Presiding Officer, This is the specially commissioned

fanfare by the Welsh composer Gareth Woodsand it's called Royal

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 61 seconds

The Deputy Presiding Officer, David Melding, bows to Her Majesty, the

Queen. And he turns the mace to acknowledge her presence. He now

leads the Royal procession. The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the

Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the other special

guests are all led into the heart of the building, the Assembly

Chamber. We are going to hear from the

Presiding Officer and the First Minister. We'll also hear from Her

The Deputy Presiding Officer, David Melding, returns the mace to its

On behalf of my fellow Assembly Members, I would like to extend a

warm welcome to our guests, from all parts of Wales and further

afield. It is a particular pleasure for me,

as one of my first responsibilities, as Presiding Officer, to welcome

our Royal guests. Your Majesty, we are so pleased

that you have been able to return here to the Senedd at the beginning

of our fourth Assembly, as we mark another significant stage in the

history of devolution. The people of Wales, rightly, have high

expectations of us. Today is a celebration, but it's

also an opportunity to reflect on the role that lies ahead as we

strive to meet those expectations. Thank you, on behalf of all the

Assembly Members, for being here today, and for the close interest

that you continue to take in our work.

May I invite your Majesty to address the national stem. --

National Assembly. Presiding Officer, members of the

National Assembly for Wales, it gives me great pleasure to be with

you today on the occasion of the opening of the fourth National

Assembly for Wales. I congratulate you on your election as members of

the National Assembly, now charged with legislating for the people of

Wales, more widely than ever before. These new competences will bring

important challenges for you all. For some, today marks a return to

the Assembly for a further term, bringing continuity and experience

to bear on the work of this chamber. For others, elected to this

assembly for the first time, these are new duties.

But whatever the combination of experience and new blood, this

Assembly is here to represent the interests of Wales and its people,

to make the laws for Wales and to hold the Welsh Government to

account. These vital functions of democracy

now rest on your shoulders and much will be expected of you.

The National Assembly of Wales can call upon an impressive record of

achievement. It has coped admirably with the growth in the powers

granted to it since devolution. In the period since I was last with

you in 2007, a remarkable flow of important legislation has been

introduced in matters of real importance to the people of Wales.

This has covered a diverse range of topics, mainly with distinctly will,

characteristics and, has often been greatly influenced bid the

interests of individual members, committees and the Assembly

Commission. During the various evolutionry

stages of devolution in Wales, the Assembly has a well-deserved

reputation for diligence and competence. You are now entrusted

with the authority to make laws in all matters contained within the 20

subjects devolved to the Assembly. And, for the first time, you will

be a passing Assembly Acts. The performance of the Assembly in

discharging these new responsibilities will be closely

scrutinised here in Wales and elsewhere.

But on the evidence of what the National Assembly has already

achieved these past 12 years, and with the commitment of you all,

there is every cause for confidence in the future.

Presiding Officer, Assembly Members, this fourth Assembly marks a

significant development in the history of devolution in Wales. I

trust that with these new powers, you will remain devoted to the task

of serving the best interests of all the people of Wales. I wish you

Your Majesty, your Royal highness, Presiding Officer, Assembly Members,

distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of all the

Assembly Members gathered here, may I begin by thanking your Majesty

for your warm and sincere wishes. We are honoured to welcome you here

As one of the founding members of this Assembly, it's my great honour

to stand before you today as First Minister at the official opening of

this fourth Assembly term. Both as First Minister and as an

Assembly member, it's my privilege to serve the people of Wales, a

privilege that I will never lose sight of.

Today represents an important new beginning, both for the National

Assembly and the Welsh Government. We begin this term with an enhanced

set of powers confered on us following the referendum in

mafrpblt the Welsh people expressed a clear choice about the kind of

devolution they want -- March. On 5th May, they sent us here with

their instructions for Government. The responsibility which I and all

of us have is to carry out those instructions diligently and in the

national interest of Wales as a whole.

All the people of this country, irrespective of who they voted for,

or even if they didn't vote at all, are entitled to expect that their

Government will try to serve their interests in good faith and as

First Minister, that is my pledge. There are challenges ahead and

difficult decisions between competing choices that will have to

be made. But this is fundamentally, I believe, a time of optimism for

Wales. We have the powers to make a difference. I and the Government I

lead will work night and day to improve our Public Services, to

protect the vulnerable, to educate and prepare our young people for

work, to promote our industry at home and abroad and to do all that

we can to make Wales healthier and TRANSLATION: I am grateful to Your

Majesty's good wishes. I, in turn, wish all of the Assembly Members

every success in our common endeavours, to serve the people of

Wales. Four majesty's good wishes. I, in

turn, wish all the Assembly Members every success in our common

endeavours to serve the people of Wales.

APPLAUSE The First Minister, Carwyn Jones,

ending the speeches here at the Senedd. The Queen signs the co-

memmor rayive parchment. This is the Wales Herald, Thomas

Lloyd, High Sheriff. He took over responsibility from Michael Simms,

who retired from that role after 16 years. The Wales Herald

Extraordinary, like other Heralds Extraordinarys is not an officer of

arms, who hold full-time appointments, but they take part in

state occasions, such as the state opening of Parliament by the

sovereign and the guards' ceremony at Windsor.

A lot to talk about, Bethan Lewis - three significant speeches on an

historic day. We keep saying that, but it very much is. And all the

Speakers refer tods the significant development in -- referred to the

significant developments in devolution since the Royal Opening

ceremony. Rosemary Butler talked of a

significant stage in devolution. Her Royal Highness, the Queen

talked of a significant history in devolution and Carwyn Jones talked

of an important new beginning. A great sense of enhanced powers, but

also the responsibility that brings. We heard the Queen talk about the

responsibility on Assembly Members to use these powers and said also a

warning their performance will be closely scrutinised, she said, but

also saying the performance thus far t Assembly over the previous 12

years gave her cause for confidence that it would deliver on that.

And would represent the people of Wales appropriately. This is the

royal harpist, Clare Jones, as the royal party meet guests after the

Assembly. She is from Pembrokeshire and was appointed harpist to the

Prince of Wales in 2007. She provided the musical backdrop to

the royal wedding as the newlyweds returned from the palace from

I should point out that Jocelyn Davies is representing Plaid Cymru

today because the party leader, Ieuan Wyn Jones, is not here, he is

still on half term leave. Last week was the half term break.

I'm not surprised that the Assembly Members after their long election

campaign, after the referendum campaign before that, took an

opportunity to have a break. Jocelyn Davies there. The Duchess

of Cornwall has made her second visit to Wales in the week.

She was at the Hay Festival just a few days ago, encouraging children

to read and parents to read to children.

She's back in Wales today. She's back in Wales today for a

more formal, more ceremonial role. Paul Murphy talking to the Duke of

Edinburgh, the former Secretary of State for Wales.

They are members of the Privy Council, at the ceremony also in

that capacity. The Duke has a busy week ahead of him. He celebrates

his 90th birthday on Friday. The Queen was 85 on 21st April.

That's David Roser from the CBI, I mentioned earlier that all the

Church leaders were represented here.

This is very much an interfaith celebration, with representatives

from all faith groups. The Archbishop of Wales greeting the

It's long been the tradition to celebrate the Queen's birthday

publicly with Trooping the Colour in a day in the summer when good

weather is more likely. This year it will be celebrated on Saturday.

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 61 seconds

You can hear the choir entertaining They were established in 2008 to

compete and have taken part in competitions all over Britain. 35

members in the choir, ages ranging from nine to 14 years old. The

children are drawn from seven schools from across Rhondda.

A proud day for the conductor of that choir.

The First Minister, Carwyn Jones, joining the Prince of Wales,

listening to Gavin Ashcroft playing The Royal Party makes its way out

of the Senedd. They make their way into the

daylight. Rosemary Butler, the Presiding

Officer, accompanying Her Majesty the week.

The Prince of Wales exchanging a few words with well wishers,

accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall.

This morning, Lord Dafydd Elis- Thomas, the former Presiding

Officer told the BBC that he thought the Prince of Wales was a

great devolutionist. He didn't get the interview with the Prince of

Wales, but that is what Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas said.

There's a healthy crowd here today, as you can see.

A sigh of relief, I think, from those taking part in the formal

proceedings, now that they are over, because for at least two of those

people, the First Minister, Carwyn Jones, and the Presiding Officer,

Rosemary Butler - experienced though they are - this is their

first time doing that particular job.

They will be well used to addressing big audiences, but I am

sure they would have had a few nerves ahead of today, because it's

not a usual train of their events - it happens every four years. Next

time it will be after five years because this Assembly term lasts

five years. The children there from Big Town

The Royal Party making its way down the red carpet, leaving the Senedd,

and heading off just around the corner to the Wales Millenium

Centre in Cardiff Bay, where the royal duties continue. The rain has

held off, Jamie! It's a bit windy though. There is a brisk wind, as

you can see from the flags. Thank goodness the rain held off,

otherwise all the children and the members of the RAF band would have

got a soaking earlier on. The royal party, the Queen the Duke of

Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall now making

a short journey, just a few hundred They are going to be attending a

pre-lunch reception for Assembly Members. They will meet Assembly

outreach groups and be entertained by Only Men Aloud.

I can exclusively reveal what they will have for lunch, when we are

approaching that time and my thoughts turn to that direction,

you have guessed it - it's Welsh lamb. Lunch is prepared by the

Welsh National Culinary Team and chefs from the Wales Millenium

Centre. As far as the entertainment goes,

musicians from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and a

harpist from the college, along with the orchestra of the Central

Band of the RAF will be entertaining the guests.

Then after that lunch, at the Wales Millenium Centre - they look very

happy to be there - don't they? - some happy faces and flag-waving

there. This has been a special day for them too.

After lunch, at the Wales Millenium Centre - that great big copper-

domed building you can see on the left-hand of your screen, the Royal

Party leave Cardiff - their duties done and return to Cardiff Station

And today, the starting gun, if you like, for the start of a new

Assembly term and a significantly beefed up Assembly with new law-

making powers. It's today it form Ali starts with the speech from Her

Majesty the Queen -- formally. Greeted by a very enthusiastic,

young crowd here, who will probably remember this day for some time to

come. They can say that they were here. They won't have far to go if

they want to go round and see the Royal procession again because

Well, Brian, Hoey, there we are, the ceremony done and the National

Assembly for Wales started on its work -- Brian Hoey. An historic day

in Royal terms? Yes, they are now officially open. Now they have to

get down to the nitty-gritty and do all the work, of course. I think it

was important that the Queen made the speech that she did, not a

single word, of course, written by her, as with the state opening of

her, as with the state opening of Parliament. The first draft of that

speech would have been written for her by her principal private

secretary, Christopher Gyte, a former SAS soldier. He then would

have sent it over to Number Ten Downing Street for the Prime

Minister to have a look at it, add or delete whatever he feels ought

to be there. Then it would go to the Welsh office for the Welsh

Secretary to have a look at it, and of course to Carwyn Jones, the

First Minister. She is actually speaking on behalf of her

Government. This Government, the Wales Government, is her Government,

as much as the Government that she speaks about from the House of

Lords at the state opening of Parliament any November whatsoever.

It's virtually a Royal seal of approval and I thought also Carwyn

Jones's reply was, he doesn't have to submit it to anybody else of

course, he just does it himself, but it was very gracious and very

respectful without being over- reverential. That's important. We

have now lost the need to be reverential and deaf Rennestial, as

we were in the early days of the Queen's reign. No longer do we have

to reflect when mentioning a Royal name, and that's no bad thing --

reverential. It's down to hard politics? It is and I'm sure the

Assembly Members will be pleased that the ceremony is done, now it's

down to the work that they've been elected to do. Picking up on what

Brian was saying, the big difference between the Queen's

speech here and the quien's speech at Westminster is that at

Westminster she sets out the Government's legislative programme

-- Queen's Speech. She says what the Government will be doing for

the next term. She doesn't include that content in terms of

legislation in her speech here, it's more about the general

principles that she expects from the Government over the next term.

Yes, she hasn't set the agenda, has she? No, it's a different purpose

isn't it? Yes, absolutely. Let's cross back to the Assembly now and

talk to our political reporter Carl Roberts who's been watching all

those events, and he's got some special guests with him.

Hi, I have some special guests with me. They are just watching

proceedings outside. I'm joined by Gavin Ashcroft, Megan and Courtney

who you may have heard singing. You will have heard Gavin accompanying

the choir. Tell us what was the experience like you playing for the

Queen? It was a wonderful experience, certainly one that the

children will remember for the rest of their lives, so we are very

happy. Let's see what the children think of it. Megan, you've sang for

the Queen, saw her walk by. How do you feel now? Really excited, you

get goose bumps and everything and just want to sing your best. You

get a feeling when she looks at you, and even though she's standing

there, you still get goose bumps and everything, it was amazing.

Courtney, were you happy with the way that you sang, I think you were

very good? Yes, I think we sang very good, I wonder what the Queen

thinks. Her presence made us sing a bit more with our hearts. That

certainly came across. Gavin, tell the people at home what songs that

you did song? We sang a song by Rob Darwin, about the hope for Wales

for the future, so it's very apt for this day. You've had a day off

school to come here. Have you been to the Senedd before? Yes, we've

sang here before and a few of us opened it when it first opened, we

sang here for the opening. So you are old hands at it then. What was

your favourite song that you sang for the Queen today? The one that

means so much to us, the meaning of it is that we've walked through our

path of childhood in Wales and we are so proud to be in Wales and in

the national Assembly, it's just amazing as an experience. You have

enjoyed your day, it's a day you will never forget and the same goes

for you, Gavin? Definitely. Back to the studio.

Thank you very much indeed. Let's have another word with Brian and

Bethan. Brian, this is a very British affair, this new

institution, which hasn't been going very long, just in a very

British way takes on all the pomp and circumstance that you wouldn't

expect with young institutions. It doesn't have some more of the

ancient ritual of Westminster, but it gathers ritual nonetheless?

it will have eventually. If you saw, if it were possible for us to see

the state opening of Parliament even 200 years ago, it would be

bear very little relation to the state opening of Parliament in

Westminster that we see today. These ceremonies evolve over the

years. Each one brings something new. As Bethan said, most of the

framework for the present ceremony we saw today was built by Lord

Elis-Thomas as the Presiding Officer. Irpbg he takes much of the

credit for the wonderful success we've seen today -- I think he

takes much of the credit for the wonderful success we've seen today.

It does evolve and we have had a new Presiding Officer for the first

time. We've had a new Deputy Presiding Officer carrying that

very, very heavy mace, which I think he did absolutely brilliantly

with, needs a large gin and tonic at the moment. We saw the First

Minister, Rhodri Morgan, who was very experienced, not only in the

Welsh Assembly, but in the Westminster Parliament, they've all

been there before. Also, we had a new Wales herald extraordinary,

Thomas Lloyd O bech E, got that for his work on ancient buildings --

OBE. He behaved brilliantly. He had to go up to St James's Palace

yesterday to meet York Herald, another man who originally comes

from Cardiff and he was showing the new Wales Herald how to put on his

tabard and all the finery that they have to wear. They've all behaved

brilliant and and it's worked out well. This is what they are going

to build on, this is the ceremonial protocol that we'll see coming in

years ahead of us. Today was a civilised day, all parties taking

place in the civilised ceremony. Bethan Lewis, it won't be like that

for too long one suspects without a majority this Government is going

to have troubled times ahead? it's likely to be a challenge. At

the moment, of course, they have got a majority because you haven't

got those two Liberal Democrat AMs sitting at the moment. But

obviously, that won't last. It will be resolved somehow when either

those two AMs will be reinstated or the next two from the party will on

the regional list take over those seats.

But yes, normal service will be resumed shortly and, of course,

from tomorrow, First Minister's Questions, the normal business will

get established. So far, we haven't really had the cut and thrust of

politics yet. We've had votes to choose the Presiding Officer, the

Deputy Presiding Officer, but over the next few weeks now, before

theed end of term, we'll get more discussion about legislation which

is what they've been elected to do. Brian Hoey, one must always be

circumspect about newspaper reports, but we read this week the Queen's

concern, it's reported, on Scottish devolution and her concerns about

Scotland's direction with regard to independence. We don't really know

the Queen's view on devolution, do we? We don't know, but we can

gather it from the sort of discussions that go around the

coffee tables and dining tables at St James's Palace and Clarence

House and Buckingham Palace. I, name-dropping like mad, go into

Buckingham Palace fairly frequently. One hears that, as I said earlier,

the Queen didn't, was rather suspicious about devolution in the

first place because she saw it as perhaps a threat to the break-up to

the United Kingdom which it would be if there is independence for

Wales and independence for Scotland, it would be a break-up of the

United Kingdom and therefore perhaps would be a slight threat,

maybe more than a slight threat, to the understand tuetion of monarchy

hems -- the institution of monarchy herself. There is a ground swell of

affection and goodwill towards the Royal Family and certainly towards

the Queen and let us to be hoped also, that Prince William, the new

Duke of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine, they'll

continue with their association with Wales and cement the

relationship. This is a very different kind of devolution in

Wales to the way devolution he's turned out in Scotland, isn't it?

It is, of course. But what's striking really is how things have

developed in Wales since 1999. If Mr Elis-Thomas said about the Queen

being an enthusiastic devolutionist, he'll be happy about how things

have gone since 1999. The ceremony in 1999 was rather more low-key

than it is now, that's probably to do with the powers, as the Assembly

has accumulated powers, the ceremony seems to have gotten

bigger. It's evolving. And that's gone hand in hand with moving from

the original chamber to the new purpose-built chamber which lends

itself to a greater expent. VIPs are pouring out of the

Assembly and chamber and heading just a short way up the road where

today's celebrations and Royal events continue. They're making

their way to the Wales Millennnium Centre where lunch is served and

we've managed to way lay two of those VIPs who are talking to Carl

Roberts, our reporter, in the Senedd. They mustn't be delayed

toons for their lunch, I'm sure, Carl, but let's have a word with

them now -- delayed too long. They are quite happy to talk to us

now. Welcome to you both. Lord Elis-Thomas, for the first time

today, you weren't there to greet the Queen as she arrived to open an

Assembly. How does that feel? feels wonderful, it's the

institution that's the important thing, not the individuals. I know

the interest that the Queen has take none the development of

devolution and of course, specially the strong interest of the Prince

of Wales who was also here. I wish perhaps we could have had the young

Royal couple, but this wasn't possible this time, but I hope

they'll visit here soon. In terms of the pomp and protocol we saw

today, you've had a role in that. Where was the pomp?? It was a

proper Air Force band and they played political yantly and to see

the cadets take part in the ceremony, the navy did the previous

opening and the Army did the opening of the building itself,

this is a case where ceremonial in Wales is undertaken by Armed Forces,

usually by serving people from Wales and it was something which

was put to me when I first visited an area and saw the soldiers who'd

served in Bosnia and they said we don't do ceremonial at all, we must

do something about it. Archbishop Barry Morgan, you were

heavily involved in the yes campaign for more powers. The Queen

has opened the 4th semi-which has full law-making powers. How do you

feel having work sod hard to achieve that? I'm delighted that

Wales said yes in the referendum and it was good to have the Queen

refer to that and to say that how important it was for Wales. I think

today is an important milestone in the development of Wales as a

nation and, as the former President of the Assembly says, you know, we

have our own way of doing things here. If you compare from with the

opening of Parliament in Westminster, it's totally different

and I would call this a kind of dignified informality. There was an

informality about it, but there was a dignity about it, that's very

important for us as a nation that we do things in our own particular

way and style. We see the people behind us getting on their feet now,

making their way over to the Millennnium Centre for lunch where

we'll join them later. We have all kinds of people from civic society.

How important is that to you? Crucially. There are people

representing all kinds of voluntary societies, institutions in Wales.

It's much more democratic, I think, than in other places. I think

that's very important. People who've worked in local kphruents,

as well as Lord -- communities, as well as Lord Lieutenants and high

Sheriffs as thinding like that. Finally, put into words how

different you think this assembly will be to previous ones? It's a

development which Her Majesty the Queen said which I can now say I

thought it was a brilliant speech for the occasion and she hit the

right note I think and challenged us for the future. The most

important thing about today is that we are walking to lunch. This is a

green event. We are having this in the bay, sharing the Millennnium

Centre. The Welsh team, my friends there are at it, as we speak, it

will be Welsh lamb, we'll be all right! I shall not keep you from

your lunch a moment longer. Thank you both very much for joining us,

You are watching BBC One Wales and BBC Parliament and live coverage of

Her Majesty the Queen's Royal Opening of the new session of the

National Assembly, following the election in Wales in May. You are

watching the VIPs, the distinguished guests leaving the

National Assembly and heading out into a rather windy Cardiff Bay,

and making the short walk, just up the road, to the Wales Millenium

Centre, which will be very familiar to the Queen, because she opened it

in 2004. It's quickly established a

reputation as one of the world's iconic arts and cultural

destinations. Lots of concerts whatever your taste in music and

the arts and drama. It's a very significant, not just

culturally but a landmark in Cardiff.

It's an unusual tourist attraction because in addition to these people

filing out and making their way there now, the Wales Millenium

Centre ux their destination, has --, their des din nation has welcomed

eight million visitors, making it number one visitor attraction in

Wales, hardly surprising given all the plays and music which takes

part there every week. That is the direction of the guests who are

leaving the formal part of today's events at the National Assembly,

and making their way up the road. I am joined in the studio by the

royal author Brian Hoey, author of many royal books and our political

author with the BBC, Bethan Lewis. If you were sitting at home

watching the telly today, thinking, so what, how does this affect me?

Today does, doesn't it? Things change in Wales because of the

election and its formal start of the legislative programme today.

Yes, well this ceremony officially kick-starts this fourth Assembly

term, as we have been talking about it is now down to politicians to

get on with the job of legislating. They will do it from now on with

greater powers than they've ever had.

Now they have direct law-making powers in those' r areas devolved

to the Assembly -- in those areas devolved to the Assembly. They did

have some powers, but they had to go to Westminster and get

permission to legislate in certain areas. Now they can do it without

reference to Westminster. So, in theory, stronger powers to leg

shraitd, and the arguments for the -- legislate, and the argument was

it was more effective, could be more responsive to what the people

of Wales wanted. The Queen, the First Minister referred to the

politicians to use those powers as they see fit. When making laws now

do they have to get the royal assent? They still do, but rather

than getting it for Assembly measures and for the bids for power,

the come pi tense orders which gave them powers to formulate those

measures they get royal assent for Assembly bills which then become

Assembly acts. The Welsh Assembly will have a Direct Line to

Buckingham Palace? It will. Brian, we have sat on previous Royal

Openings and watched thin crowds and not the warmest of welcomes,

but this was a delightful warm welcome for Her Majesty and the

Queen and the royal party. I wonder how significant it is that the

Prince of Wales has a home in Wales and Prince William has made his

home on Anglesey? It is much more important that William is based in

Anglesey and he and the Duchess now have their farm house, they have

had it a long time. Now that east much more significant than the

Prince of Wales -- now that's much more significant than the Prince of

Wales having a home in Wales. They have spent one night at their home.

As the Archbishop said just now, he said about this particular ceremony

this morning, it was dignified, yet informal. I felt, looking at the

crowds outside, and the guests inside, there was a spon tin theyty

-- spontaneity. There was a much more spontaneous response. The

Welsh people are much warmer any way. Let's take a break there. If

you are just joining us, you are watching live coverage of the Royal

Opening of the National Assembly. Why don't we just hear now from Her

Majesty the Queen and her speech that she gave just a few moments

Presiding Officer, members of the National Assembly for Wales, it

gives me great pleasure to be with you today, on the occasion of the

opening of the fourth National Assembly for Wales.

I congratulate you on your election as members of a National Assembly,

now charged with legislating for the people of Wales more widely

than ever before. These new competences will bring important

challenges for you all. For some, today marks a return to

the Assembly for a further term, bringing continuity and experience

to bear on the work of this chamber. For others, elected to this

Assembly for the first time, these are new duties.

Whatever the combination of experience and new blood, this

Assembly is here to represent the interests of Wales and its people.

To make the laws for Wales and to hold the Welsh Government to

account. These vital functions of democracy

now rest on your shoulders and much will be expected of you.

The National Assembly of Wales can call upon an impressive record of

achievement. It has coped with the growth in the

powers granted to it since devolution.

In the period since I was last with you, in 2007, a remarkable flow of

important legislation has been introduced in matters of real

importance to the people of Wales. This has covered a diverse range of

topics, mainly with distinctly Welsh characteristics. And has

often been greatly influenced by the influence of individual members,

committees and the Assembly commission.

During the various evolutionary stages of devolution in Wales, the

Assembly has earned itself a well- deserved reputation for diligence

and competence. You are now entrusted with the

authority to make laws in all matters contained within the 20

subjects devolved to the Assembly. For the first time, you will be

passing Assembly acts. The performance of the Assembly in

charging these new responsibilities will be closely scrutinised here in

Wales and elsewhere. But on the evidence of what the

National Assembly has already achieved these past 12 years, and

with the commitment of you all, there is every cause for confidence

in the future. Presiding Officer, Assembly Members,

this fourth Assembly marks a significant development in the

history of devolution in Wales. I trust that with these new powers

you will remain devoted to the task of serving the best interests of

all the people of Wales. I wish you every success.

APPLAUSE Her Majesty, the Queen, speaking to

the National Assembly just a few minutes ago on this, the Royal

Opening of the new session of the National Assembly for Wales. Let's

get some reaction to the Queen now and let's cross over to the chamber

and hear from the Secretary of State for Wales, Cheryl Gillan.

Can I have your reaction to the day? It has been a wonderful day

for Wales. To have Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh and

the Prince of Wales here for the opening has been just a wonderful

day for the Assembly. Of course it does mark a change for the Assembly,

because after the referendum the Assembly now has primary powers in

areas which have been devolved to it. It was a lovely ceremony from

what I saw of it. Of course, it's a great day for Wales to have a --

four members of the Royal Family here. You think it is important

they come here and take part in the opening ceremony? Very much so. We

are a United Kingdom, Wales is a proud country within that United

Kingdom. You only have to see how much the children enjoyed it and

the fly-past we had. It gives the Assembly the status it deserves. It

was a great day for Wales and the Assembly and a great privilege for

me to be part of it. You are off for lunch now, I understand? There

is lunch after the official opening. It will be a day that will be long

remembered, particularly by the children and the members of the

armed services that were here. It was a proud day. Thank you very

much Cheryl Gillan. Thank you very much indeed to the

royal commentator Brian Hoey. Thank you for your time. Good to see you

and also to BBC political reporter Bethan Lewis. Thank you very much

for your company this morning. That just about brings us to the end of

our live coverage of the Queen's Royal Opening of the new session of

the National Assembly. It is a particularly historic occasion

because this Assembly is now more powerful than ever before. It has

new law-making powers and becomes a Welsh Parliament in all but name.