King and Queen issue statement after floods in Nepal
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Wales’s Parliament is today hosting a landmark ceremony as the seventh Senedd is formally opened in the Siambr in Cardiff Bay.
The occasion carries particular historical significance on two fronts: it represents the first time the newly expanded Welsh legislature has been inaugurated, and it is the first such event attended by King Charles III in his capacity as monarch.
His Majesty has been present at every Senedd opening since the inaugural ceremony in 1999, though all previous occasions were in his former role as Prince of Wales.
King Charles, Queen Camilla and senior Welsh political figures are all taking part in proceedings.
A procession of Senedd Members will lead the formal proceedings, accompanied by two representatives from the Welsh Youth Parliament and with the Welsh Guards Corps of Drums providing a ceremonial escort.
Once inside the Siambr, three addresses will be delivered to the assembled Parliament.
King Charles will speak alongside Llywydd Huw Irranca-Davies MS and First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth MS.
Musical and vocal performances are also woven into the programme, maintaining the established tradition of celebrating Welsh culture and creativity as part of the formal opening proceedings.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, the Llywydd said: “This ceremony marks the start of a new chapter in the Senedd’s history.
“It is a larger Parliament, elected through a new electoral system designed to better reflect the diversity of views and experiences across our country.”
He expressed gratitude for the royal presence, stating: “We are honoured that Their Majesties The King and Queen are here to share this moment with us.”
Mr Irranca-Davies added: “We will use this moment to celebrate the people, communities and culture of Wales and remind ourselves of the aspirations of those who put their trust in us to serve them in this seventh Senedd term.”
A historic milestone within the ceremony itself will see Delyth Lewis become the first woman to bear the Senedd’s ceremonial mace into the Siambr.
Originally a gift from the Parliament of New South Wales, the mace will be carried by Ms Lewis, who has served on the Senedd Commission staff since 2002 and played a pivotal role in establishing the Welsh Youth Parliament.
She will be accompanied by deputy mace-bearer Lukas Santos Evans, along with Welsh Youth Parliament members Ffiôn-Hâf Scott and Aryan Gupta.
Their participation reflects the institution’s commitment to intergenerational representation as it enters this new era.
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