The King reflected on his longstanding connection with Wales as he addressed Members of the Senedd during the ceremonial opening of the Welsh Parliament in Cardiff.
King Charles attended the ceremony alongside the Queen, marking the first time the couple had attended the Senedd’s ceremonial opening together since he became King.
The event followed a Senedd election and featured an address by the King to Members of the Welsh Parliament in the Siambr, its debating chamber.
During his speech, His Majesty spoke warmly about his personal ties to Wales, highlighting the country’s distinctive language, rich culture and landscape.
He said he had always felt privileged and proud to have enjoyed such a close relationship with the country throughout much of his life.
“I have 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,” he said.
The King also acknowledged the importance of Wales’s shared strengths as the country’s political representatives continued their work following the election.
Addressing Members of the Senedd, he encouraged them to draw inspiration from those qualities as they carried out their responsibilities on behalf of the Welsh people.
“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,” he said.
The King concluded this part of his address with a message in Welsh, demonstrating his recognition of the country’s national language.
“Pob bendith ar eich gwaith er lles y wlad arbennig hon,” he said.
The words conveyed his heartfelt thanks for the work undertaken for the welfare and success of Wales, as he offered his good wishes to those serving the country.
The visit also brought the King and Queen face to face with demonstrators who voiced opposition to the monarchy outside the Senedd.
As the royal couple greeted First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth and Huw Irranca-Davies, the Llywydd, or presiding officer of the Senedd, chants of “not my King” and “down, down, down with the Crown” could be heard.
Despite the protests, the visit provided an opportunity for the King to address Wales’s political representatives directly and reflect on the relationship he had maintained with the country over many years.
His remarks placed particular emphasis on the importance of Wales’s language, culture and landscape, which he described as central to the special connection he had enjoyed throughout his life.
The ceremonial opening marked a significant occasion for the Senedd, bringing together the royal couple and the country’s elected representatives following the latest election.
Through his address, the King offered a message of encouragement to those responsible for governing Wales, expressing his hope that they would continue to draw strength from the country’s distinctive identity and shared heritage as they worked for its people.
