In extending her warmest congratulations to Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne (6 February), the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has urged Members to write to community and town councils across their constituencies and to inspire participation in the Queen’s Green Canopy.
In Aberconwy, residents have had the privilege of Her Majesty’s presence on a great number of occasions. She attended the National Eisteddfod held in Llandudno in 1963, opened the Conwy Tunnel in 1991 alongside the late Lord Wyn Roberts of Conwy, and visited Venue Cymru in 2010.
Having used the contribution to urge the Llywydd to write a letter of congratulations to the Queen on behalf of Senedd Members, Janet was also most pleased to receive confirmation that this will now take place.
Commenting on her speech, Janet said:
“The Queen has a central role in our own constitution. Under the doctrine of separation of powers, the governance of a state is divided into three branches each with separate and independent powers and responsibilities. For Wales, this comprises of the Crown and two governments.
“It has been such an honour to have met Her majesty on three occasions during my time at the Senedd, due to the royal openings. We must not forget that all Acts emanating from this Parliament hold her approval, meaning that the Crown’s impact on Wales is far greater than we could ever quantify.
“I remember Her Majesty visiting 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 wanting to catch a glimpse of the royal couple. Our respect and love for her has only grown.
“As the Shadow Minister for Climate Change, I was most pleased to use this moment to encourage all Members to write to community and town councils across 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 we plant will live on for centuries to come.
“I sincerely hope that Her Majesty enjoys a much blessed event to celebrate her 70 glorious years on the throne and, I pray, for many years to come. Congratulations your Majesty!”
The Queen is Royal patron or President of some 600 charities and she carries out these responsibilities with great enthusiasm. Fourteen of those are based in Wales, and include the Golf Union of Wales, The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, The Football Association of Wales and Fields in Trust.
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS