The King and Queen attend the Ceremonial Opening of the Seventh Senedd

The King and Queen were welcomed to the Senedd, by two guard formations provided by the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Welsh, and 157 (Welsh) Regiment Royal Logistics Corps, and a Royal Navy Guard of Honour who gave a Royal Salute on arrival.

This marks the first Opening of the Senedd attended by Their Majesties as King and Queen. The previous Opening, in October 2021, was attended by Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by Their Majesties when The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.

Their Majesties were then greeted by a civic line-up and presented to the Llywydd (Speaker), Huw Irranca-Davies MS, and the First Minister of Wales, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS. 

Following a fanfare inside the Senedd, Their Majesties met the Party Leaders, the Chief Executive and Clerk of the Senedd, and the Deputy Presiding Officer. 

As Their Majesties entered the Siambr (chamber) for the ceremonial opening. Mared Pugh Evans, The King's Harpist, performed. The Llywydd gave opening remarks, followed by a short speech from The King and remarks from the First Minister. Hanan Issa, National Poet of Wales, then read a poem written for the occasion, and the Merched Plastaf Choir performed ‘O Gymru’ by Welsh composer Rhys Jones. 

Afterwards In the Cwrt, Their Majesties met members of the Welsh Youth Parliament, Senedd Commissioners and Members of the Senedd, and representatives of community and youth organisations. 

Before departing, Their Majesties were presented with a posy by Noah Jones, the great-grandson of the caretaker of Pantglas Junior School in Aberfan who saved the lives of many children during the disaster.