Diolch, Llywydd, and I do hope you and all Members will join me in saying, 'Congratulations, indeed, Your Majesty'. The Queen has a central and pivotal role in our own constitution. Under the doctrine of separation of powers, the governance of the state is divided into three branches, each with separate and independent powers and responsibilities. As you'll know, for Wales, the executive comprises the Crown and two Governments, and we must never forget that the Queen does play a constitutional role in opening and dissolving Parliament—indeed, our Senedd Cymru, Welsh Parliament. In fact, the Queen has opened Parliament all but twice during her own reign—the exceptions being in 1959 and 1963, when she was herself with child. It has been such an honour to have met Her Majesty on the three occasions of our royal openings here and to speak with her and it was an honour again to see her officially opening the sixth Senedd not too long ago.

We must not forget that all Acts emanating from this Parliament are approved by her, meaning that the Crown's indirect impact on Wales is far greater than we could ever quantify. In Aberconwy, we have had the privilege of Her Majesty's presence in attending the National Eisteddfod in Llandudno in 1963, opening the Conwy tunnel, alongside the late and very great Wyn Roberts, Lord Roberts of Conwy, and in visiting Venue Cymru in 2010. And I remember her well at the queen of Welsh resorts, Llandudno, as part of the Silver Jubilee tour in 1977. The sun was shining and the promenade full to the brim with locals and visitors, each wanting to catch a glimpse of the royal couple. Local enthusiasm for Her Majesty is unwavering. In fact, our respect and our love for her has rightly grown. She is a constant during all times and has worked with Prime Ministers of all colours and has served us with loyalty, dignity and absolute commitment at all times. In fact, I think it was Harold Macmillan who summed it up well when he called the Queen

'a great support, because she is the one person you can talk to.' 

Alongside assisting Prime Ministers, the Queen is royal patron or president of some 600 charities, and she carries out these responsibilities with great enthusiasm. Fourteen of those are here in Wales and include the golf union of Wales, the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, the Football Association of Wales, and Fields in Trust, an organisation that seeks to protect and improve playing fields and other recreational spaces in the UK. More than ever before, our outdoor environment and climate change emergency are at the forefront of all our minds. As Her Majesty stated during COP 26,

'None of us underestimates the challenges ahead: but history has shown that when nations come together in common cause, there is always room for hope. Working side by side, we have the ability to solve the most insurmountable problems and to triumph over the greatest of adversities.'

I think it most appropriate today that we take inspiration from that message of co-operation and the pride that the royal family have shown in encouraging people to protect our fragile planet. I encourage all Members to write to their community and town councils in their constituencies and to inspire participation in the Queen's Green Canopy. I do not doubt that we will see street parties galore during the four-day bank holiday, but the trees that we plant will live on for centuries to come. The Queen's contribution to this country, the Commonwealth and the world will live on for centuries also, be that in the laws passed, the trees planted, the many hearts touched or the nations supported. I sincerely hope that Her Majesty enjoys a much blessed event to celebrate her 70 glorious years on the throne, and I pray for that for many years to come. Llywydd, I would ask that a letter be sent to our Queen on behalf of the Members of the Senedd in order to extend our sincere and grateful congratulations. Thank you, diolch, and long live the Queen.