Actress Ffion gets special mention during King’s visit
A LLANELLI actress was given a special mention during King Charles III’s visit to the Senedd in Cardiff.
The King and Queen Consort made a historic visit to the Welsh capital on Friday, where they attended a service at Llandaff Cathedral before a motion of condolence was made at the Senedd and later a visit to Cardiff Castle.
Elin Jones, presiding officer of the Senedd, took a moment to talk about Llanelli actress Ffion Gwyther, who gave a posy to Queen Elizabeth II during what was to be her last visit to Wales in October last year.
Speaking at the Senedd, addressing King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla, Ms Jones said: “It is poignant that the Queen’s final visit to Wales was merely 11 months ago at the opening of our sixth Senedd.
“The Queen was on fine form that day. Many members shared their anecdotes of that visit when we met to pay tribute to the Queen and discussed our motion of condolence in the Senedd on Sunday (September 11).
“And as she left us, 11 months ago, I hope that Her Majesty carried with her the beaming smile of Ffion Gwyther, the last person she met that day in Wales, the young actress from Furnace, Llanelli, who smiled broadly as she handed the Queen a posy.”
Ffion was one of a number of “community champions” nominated by members of the last Senedd for the work they did in their community during the Covid-19 lockdown.
During lockdown she developed a large online following with her ‘Ffion from Furnace’ videos, taking on a different character every time and documenting her own Covid journey, including encouraging others to have their vaccination.
West Wales also featured in a lighthearted anecdote from Ms Jones about Senedd members discussing their memories of the Queen and her beloved Corgi dogs ahead of the motion of condolence.
Elin Jones added: “The stories and tributes paid by members to the Queen when we convened were warm and witty.
“As you may imagine, there were many mentions of corgis, her constant, lifelong Welsh companions.
“Corgi, a Welsh word, literally small dog, and of course the members here representing Pembrokeshire were particularly keen to champion her preference for the Pembrokeshire corgi. And the member for Ceredigion, me, was silent, and ever so slightly jealous, of the Queen’s choice of the Pembrokeshire corgi over the Cardiganshire corgi.”
Ms Jones also spoke of the Queen’s respect for the Senedd and said: “The
Queen respected this Parliament because she respected the democratic choices of the people of Wales.
“Our story is old but our democracy is young and ambitious.
“It is my sincere hope that the modern relationship between this country, this Senedd and the royal family will be rooted in mutual respect and understanding.”
Recognising the importance the Queen had played in Wales during her time on the throne, King Charles told the Senedd, starting in Welsh and then in English: “The land of Wales could not have been closer to my mother’s heart.
“I know she took immense pride in your many great achievements.
“I take up my new duties with immense gratitude for the privilege of having been able to serve as Prince of Wales.”