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King Charles III recently visited Wales to officially open the seventh term of the Senedd, where he highlighted the Welsh people’s strong “sense of belonging.” This visit was notable as it was the King’s first formal meeting with Rhun ap Iorwerth, the new First Minister following Plaid Cymru’s election win—a party known for its republican roots. During the opening ceremony, which was attended by the majority of the Senedd’s 96 members including opposition parties Reform, Labour, and the Conservatives, the King also voiced his worries about the effects of climate change on Wales’ natural environment.
Outside the Senedd, approximately 30 protesters gathered, expressing their dissent with chants like “not my King” and “down, down, down with the crown.” The protest remained vocal throughout the event, resulting in one person’s arrest on suspicion of breaching the Public Order Act. Meanwhile, the National Poet of Wales, Hanan Issa, was unable to read her poem during the ceremony after Senedd officials rejected her submission, citing the need for the event to remain “apolitical.” Issa expressed her disappointment, noting that the chamber is traditionally a place for political debate, and that her poem was intended to honor the Members of the Senedd and their commitment to the people of Wales.
In his speech delivered to the Senedd chamber, King Charles III reflected on his longstanding connection with Wales, emphasizing the deep ties between its people, culture, language, and landscape. He praised the unique Welsh concept of connection, rooted in community and belonging. He urged members of the government to draw inspiration from these values as they advance their duties. His concerns about climate change were also highlighted, especially in light of the wildfires that damaged parts of Wales during recent heatwaves. The King remarked on how the colors of the countryside visibly changed and underlined the shared responsibility to care for the environment.
The ceremony also marked a historic political moment as Plaid Cymru took control of the Welsh government for the first time since devolution in 1999, replacing Labour. First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth described the opening as the start of a “new chapter” for Welsh democracy, with the Senedd expanded from 60 to 96 members, enhancing its capacity to scrutinize government. A 21-gun salute greeted the King upon his arrival in Cardiff Bay, where he was welcomed by Welsh political leaders including ap Iorwerth, Presiding Officer Huw Irranca-Davies, and Labour’s Stephen Kinnock representing the UK government. Buckingham Palace also confirmed that the King held a private audience with the First Minister at the Millennium Centre.
Looking ahead, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and the Prince of Wales plan to visit Aberfan next week to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the tragic coal tip disaster of 1966. This disaster destroyed a school and homes in the village and left a lasting impact on the community. During the Senedd ceremony, Aberfan survivor Gareth Jones shared a photograph with the King, showing his father meeting
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