Thanks for joining us as the Queen officially opened the Senedd for a sixth term on Thursday. With the Queen now back on the royal train, that ends our live coverage of the Senedd opening.

Here's a round-up of the key events:

• The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrived to a 21-gun salute
• After arriving in Cardiff aboard the royal train, Her Majesty the Queen travelled to Cardiff Bay to officially open the Senedd
• The Queen met Senedd leaders including Presiding Officer Elin Jones and First Minister Mark Drakeford
• She said measures had been taken to "strengthen the foundations" of Wales' parliamentary democracy since she opened the Senedd in 2016, but added there were "many challenges ahead"
• She told the Welsh parliament everyone owes a "debt of gratitude" to those who had served their communities
• First Minister Mark Drakeford remembered those lost during the pandemic, but added it was a time to look to the future
• He said focus would also shift to "that other great crisis of our time" - the climate emergency.

The Queen has officially opened the sixth term of the Senedd - Welsh Parliament, but ahead of the devolution referendum in 1997, she was advised against opening the future Welsh Assembly, recently released papers show.

An official wrote such an event would not be appropriate, with the body not able make new laws at the start.

As it would be "wholly subordinate" to Westminster, "no question of direct relations with the sovereign would arise", she wrote.

The monarch went on to attend the official opening of the body in 1999.

The 1997 files from the National Archives also show that former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair was urged to visit Wales to bolster support in the vote on whether to set up the Welsh Assembly.

After the referendum took place, a senior official blamed what he called the Welsh "language mafia" for the narrow result.

The assembly changed its name to the Welsh Parliament - Senedd Cymru in 2020.

It was established in 1999 following the referendum in September 1997, with 50.3% of voters supporting Yes and 49.7% voting No, on a turnout of 50.22%.

Image source, Getty Images

Mace bearer Shaz Khan agreed today would live long in his memory.

He said: "Oh my goodness yes, I was really very ecstatic.

"I can't believe what I've gone through so far. Words can't describe it.

"I was earlier on there with the Queen, literally next to the Queen, and afterwards I was with the dignitaries and then Prince Charles and the duchess, when I was there to have a chat with Charles as well.

"It is just once in a lifetime, I'm very proud."

Ahead of the Queen's arrival at the Senedd earlier, Prince Charles' entrance was accompanied by a 21-gun salute.

Addressing the Senedd earlier, Presiding Officer Elin Jones said: "Like all parliament's around the world, our work over the past 18 months has been dominated in both practice and content by the coronavirus pandemic as we sought to keep our country as safe as possible.

"We thank all the people of Wales, health care workers in particular, for their extraordinary efforts during this time."

She said work in the next term "will undoubtedly focus on recovering from the Covid pandemic, but there will also be many other challenges and opportunities, from playing a leading role in tackling climate change to promoting equality and fairness for all in Wales".

Image source, Getty Images

Crowds greeted the Queen as she left the Senedd after officially opening it for a sixth term.

Image source, Huw Evans Agency/Senedd Cymru

First Minister Mark Drakeford said Senedd members were gathered "in the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic, which has created so much sorrow for so many families across Wales".

"And we pause, as we do regularly in this chamber, to think of each one of them today," he said.

"At the same time we've seen the very best of Wales - in our health and care system, the shop workers, the teachers, all those public service workers, the businesses and volunteers, whose commitment, dedication and sheer hard work has helped to keep Wales open during this most difficult of times."

Leaving the Senedd building, the Queen chatted to "Covid-19 community champions" - people nominated for going above and beyond for their local areas.

Returning to her car, there were cheers and applause as she drove away towards Cardiff Central station and the royal train.

Sue, from Dinas Powys, and Eileen from Barry, said they had arranged to come down to the event together when they found out about it.

“We couldn’t see much really. But it was nice”, said Eileen.

“It was just nice to see people get together. It’s an event isn’t it, which isn't something we’ve had for a while”.

“I didn’t know until the day before yesterday”, said Sue.

“I think London should have much more to do with the Senedd so things like this are really good.

“I’m a big fan of the Queen, and Charles”.

First Minister Mark Drakeford gives his speech at the Senedd opening.

Looking beyond the pandemic, Mr Drakeford said there were "still many challenges ahead".

He pledged: "We will use all of our powers to promote prosperity, equality, and wellbeing for everyone in Wales."

Mr Drakeford said Senedd members would also "turn ourselves to that other great crisis of our times, the crisis in climate change and the loss of our biodiversity".

"As elected representatives, we have the privilege and the duty to defend and to strengthen our democracy, to promote the well-being of all of our citizens and to promote the natural beauty of the country in which we are so lucky to live here in Wales," he added.

Holly and Johnny, from Cardiff, said it was a fun event.

“It’s been nice,” said Holly.

“Obviously the weather has helped.

“I was out for a jog – I didn’t realise this was happening.

“It was good fun actually, I didn’t expect this type of thing going on."

Addressing the Welsh Parliament, First Minister Mark Drakeford said the opening of the sixth session was "a time for all of us to look to the future".

"People from all corners of Wales, including those most distant from this building, have chosen 60 members to represent our collective ambitions and the course for our country, in the years ahead," he said.

"I'm sure that we will argue and disagree about what is best for Wales, but always in this Senedd with the interests of those we represent at the centre of everything that we do."

The Queen has given a speech as she officially opens the new Senedd term.

Mark Drakeford has met the Queen for the first time.

She said: "First minister, and members of the Senedd, it is a pleasure to be with you today.

"And I congratulate you on your recent election.

"You have been entrusted to be the voice of the people of Wales to represent their interests when decisions that affect their everyday lives are debated and decided within these walls."

Image source, Getty Images

Clive and Chris said events like this one give weight to the status of the Senedd.

“I was out getting my exercise and I stopped to see what was happening,” said Chris.

“It’s interesting, so I thought I’d stay and watch. It’s something you don’t see very often.

"I think it helps to give a bit more recognition to the Senedd.

“I think all regions should have one of these and the Queen should visit all of them."

The Queen continued: "When I was here for the last opening in 2016, I noted that the fifth assembly would mark a significant development in the history of devolution in Wales.

"Since then, further measures have been taken to strengthen the foundations of your parliamentary democracy.

"The Wales Act 2017 establish this parliament on a new basis.

"And you use this legislation to help the public better understand your work, and to include more people in the democratic process. As a result, this parliament is now recognised in law."

The Queen told Senedd members there were "many challenges ahead" in the sixth session of the parliament.

"As you work together to promote the wellbeing of the people of Wales, and support the recovery effort, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and I extend our warmest good wishes to you for the sixth session of this parliament, and hope you have every success with your endeavours," she said.

Image source, Getty Images

Mark Drakeford and Elin Jones welcome the Queen to the Senedd.

"This is where the laws get made."