Statement from Joyce Watson MS on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth

Joyce Watson MS (Mid and West Wales) said:

“I want to pay my respects to Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II, and to her family for their great loss.

I have fond memories of her dignity and good humour at a Commonwealth Heads of Government conference she hosted, which I attended some years ago.

She has been a constant figure throughout our lives, and her long life of duty and service has been an example to us all.

As a princess during the Second World War, she ignored her parents’ objections and joined the war effort as an ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service) mechanic.

Her Majesty’s death has brought back memories to me of my late parents. They both also served in the war – my father was in the Royal Welch Fusiliers and became a prisoner of war, while my mother served in the WRAC (Women’s Royal Army Corps). They both intensely admired our Queen.

I know that both of my parents would have been moved that, in my role as a Senedd Commissioner and as a Senedd Member, I have been asked to play a small part in representing Wales in honouring our late Queen and marking the transition to the reign of our new king, King Charles III.

Last Sunday I took part in the proclamation of the new king at Cardiff Castle then joined the tributes at the Senedd. Yesterday (Wednesday) I joined the Welsh delegation at Westminster Hall in London for the Queen’s lying in state, then on Friday we will greet King Charles to the Senedd.

This is a huge honour, and as these solemn ceremonial events take place and we join together in reflection, I am thinking of my parents and all who have served this country.

Finally, I want to pay tribute to King Charles III for his fortitude as he travels around the country so publicly at this time of great loss to him and his family. God save the King.”