Addressing the Senedd chamber, the King said he had “always felt immensely privileged and proud to have had such a special connection with Wales, with its language, its culture and its landscape for so much of my life”.
“The character and identity of Wales have always been built from the strength of its places, and the relationships of trust, service and neighbourliness found within them – that distinctively Welsh idea of connection, the profound connection between place, people, culture and belonging,” he said.
“As you take forward your task of government, we know you will bear always in mind, and draw inspiration from, those shared strengths, as you work on behalf of the people of this most special corner of the Earth.”
The King then expressed concern about the impact of climate change, following a number of wildfires this summer that blighted parts of Wales.
He said: “No-one can have failed to have been struck by the way the very colours of our countryside changed during this summer’s heatwaves.
“Nor could they have failed to be deeply concerned at what this means for our rapidly changing planet.
“I am sure we all share that most profound concern for the environment of this country entrusted to our care.”