Thousands line streets for monarch’s visit to the Senedd:
Although visiting many times as the Prince of Wales, King Charles III made his first visit to Wales as monarch today.
The day of Royal engagements began with a Service of Reflection at Llandaff Cathedral, followed by a visit to The Senedd and then a reception at Cardiff Castle.
Arriving in Cardiff by helicopter, a gun salute took place within the grounds of Cardiff Castle to welcome the King and the Queen Consort to Wales.
The King and Queen Consort made the short journey to Llandaff Cathedral by road lined with well-wishers shouting and waving both the national flags of Wales and the UK.
First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford and the Secretary of State for Wales Sir Robert Buckland and other political representatives greeted King Charles and Queen Consort to the cathedral followed by a service of prayer and reflection for the life of The Queen.
After the Service in Llandaff Cathedral, Charles and Camilla went on a walkabout around the village green. The King and Queen Consort then travelled through streets lined with thousands of people as the royal car made its way slowly to the Senedd where their Majesties were welcomed by the Welsh Parliament’s Llywydd [presiding officer] Elin Jones and First Minister Mark Drakeford.
On behalf of the Senedd, the Llywydd presented a Motion of Condolence to His Majesty the King and her Majesty the Queen Consort on their first visit to Wales since the Queen’s passing and extended warmest condolences to the monarch and his family.
First Minister Mark Drakeford offered the condolences of the Senedd to King Charles.
In a bilingual address to the Senedd, The King said:
“Llywydd, Prif Weinidog, Aelodau o’r Senedd. Diolch o galon i chi am eich geiriau caredig.
“Llywydd, First Minister, Members of the Senedd. Heartfelt thanks.
“Gwn y bydd Senedd a phobl Cymru yn rhannu fy nhristwch.
“I know the Senedd and people of Wales share my sadness.
“Roedd lle arbenig i Gymru yn ei chalon.
“Wales had a special place in her heart.
“Braint oedd bod yn dywysog Cymru mor hir. Yn awr bydd fy mab, William, yn derbyn y teitl. Mae ganddo ef gariad dwfn at Gymru.
“It was a privilege to be Prince of Wales for so long. Now my son, William, will bear the title. After the happy time he spent here, his love for Wales is deep.
“Foneddigion a foneddigesau, fel fy mam annwyl o’m blaen, rwy’n gwybod ein bod ni oll yn caru’r wlad arbennig hon.
“Ladies and gentlemen, like my beloved mother before me, I know we all share a love for this special land.”
At Cardiff Castle, 2,000 members of the public – on a first come, first served basis – were welcomed into the grounds.
©️Photographs by Joshua Paines | Senedd Cymru / Welsh Parliament
Pencoed tangled up by ‘Seaweeds’
Primary school’s former deputy head is banned from teaching
I make no apologies for calling Plaid Cymru ‘separatists’
‘The importance of participation and continued learning’
Opposition leaders clash with First Minister over independence rally
How Kevin saved a stranger’s life
