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On 7 June 2011 Queen Elizabeth II opened the fourth session of the Welsh Assembly. A fly-past of four Hawk jets from 208庐 Squadron, RAF Valley, took place. Fanfares at the Senedd were performed by brass and percussion students from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. The opening marked a new era, after the referendum on direct law-making powers ensured health and education were devolved.

Presiding Officer Rosemary Butler and First Minister Carwyn Jones welcomed her to the Senedd. Addressing Assembly members in the Senedd, the Queen said the Assembly was there to represent Wales and its people, make the laws for Wales and hold the government of Wales to account.

She said the Assembly had "coped admirably" with the growth in its powers since devolution, and had a "well deserved reputation for diligence and competence." The Queen also said the "vital functions of democracy" now rested on the shoulders of the Assembly members and much would be expected of them. She added: "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 passing Assembly acts. The performance of the Assembly in discharging these new responsibilities will be closely scrutinised here in Wales and elsewhere."

Broadcast: 7 June 2011

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