Key Points:
- The seventh term of Senedd was officially opened by King Charles III and Queen Camilla in Cardiff Bay.
- It is the first time that King Charles opened the session as the king, as well as the first time that the monarch has opened the Senedd which is presided over by Plaid Cymru.
- A 21-round royal gun salute greeted the royal couple along with welcoming greetings from First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth, Llywydd Huw Irranca-Davies, and some schoolchildren from the locality.
- There were some anti-monarchy protesters who were chanting “not my King” slogans near the building at the time of the arrival.
- King Charles quoted a line from the Welsh poet Ceiriog, expressed his concerns about the global warming and summer fires, and announced his intention to visit Aberfan next week for marking the 60th anniversary.
- First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth said that the seventh Senedd is “a young parliament which has come of age” and insisted that it is the parliament of the people of Wales.
- Hanan Issa, the National Poet of Wales, has revealed that she was informed about her submitted poem rejection by the Senedd Commission as it was not the “right fit.”
Cardiff (Cardiff Daily) October 19, 2026 – King Charles III and Queen Camilla officially opened the seventh term of the Senedd in Cardiff Bay, marking a historic parliamentary milestone as the monarch performed the traditional duty for the first time. Welcomed by a 21-round royal gun salute, First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth, and Llywydd Huw Irranca-Davies, the royal couple encountered both enthusiastic crowds and anti-monarchy demonstrators. Inside the Siambr, the King addressed Members of the Senedd (MSs) touching upon Welsh heritage, environmental concerns, and an upcoming visit to Aberfan, while leaders emphasized the democratic representation of Wales’s youngest parliament.
What Happened During the Seventh Senedd Opening Ceremony in Cardiff Bay?
As reported by Ella Groves of Herald.Wales, King Charles III stated that he felt “immensely privileged and proud” to have maintained a “special connection with Wales” throughout his life. The landmark event in Cardiff Bay marked the beginning of a fresh parliamentary term, representing a significant constitutional moment as the first time a sovereign opened a Senedd led by Plaid Cymru—a political party traditionally linked with republicanism.
Upon their arrival, a 21-round royal gun salute thundered across the bay. The royal couple was officially greeted by First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth and the Llywydd, Huw Irranca-Davies. School children from Llwynypia Primary School in Tonypandy and Albany Primary School in Cardiff also welcomed the royal visitors outside the building. Concurrently, a small faction of anti-monarchy protesters held placards and chanted “not my King” alongside cheering well-wishers.
What Did King Charles Say in His Address to the Siambr?
Inside the Siambr, King Charles delivered a speech incorporating a quotation by Welsh poet Ceiriog, celebrating the “enduring strength and continuity of Cymru.”
As reported by Ella Groves of Herald.Wales, the King said:
“The Welsh people, from all communities and faiths, are rightly famed for the strength of their sense of belonging.”
His Majesty also referenced the contributions of Welsh historian John Davies, jokingly noting that Davies was with the chamber in “rather more than spirit”—a subtle nod to Davies’s daughter, Anna Brychan, who serves as the cabinet secretary for education and the Welsh language.
Transitioning to global challenges, the King voiced deep apprehension regarding climate change, specifically highlighting the dramatic landscape changes caused by wildfires across Wales during the summer heatwaves.
As reported by Ella Groves of Herald.Wales, King Charles stated:
“No-one can have failed to have been struck by the way the very colours of our countryside changed during this summer’s heatwaves. Nor could they have failed to be deeply concerned at what this means for our rapidly changing planet. I am sure we all share that most profound concern for the environment of this country entrusted to our care.”
Furthermore, His Majesty confirmed that alongside Queen Camilla and Prince William, he will visit Aberfan next week to observe the 60th anniversary of the tragic disaster. Gareth Jones, a survivor rescued from the incident as a child, and Len Moss, a member of the original Aberfan rescue team, were present as special guests at the ceremony. Before departing, Queen Camilla was presented with a posy by Noah Jones, the great-grandson of Stephen Andrew—the Pantglas Junior School caretaker who bravely rescued children during the tragedy.
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How Did Welsh Leaders Respond to the Opening?
Following the royal address, First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth addressed the chamber, characterizing the seventh Senedd as “a young parliament which has come of age.” Aligning with remarks made earlier by the Llywydd, Mr ap Iorwerth emphasized that the Senedd stands as the “most representative in our history.”
As reported by Ella Groves of Herald.Wales, First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth stated:
“The Senedd doesn’t belong to one government or any one political party. It belongs to the people of Wales. It is here to represent them, to legislate on their behalf, and to ensure that those in power are held to account for their decisions.”
Mr ap Iorwerth further remarked:
“We all have a part to play in ensuring this parliament is not an echo chamber but a mirror held up to the people of Wales, who can in turn say with confidence and with pride that their values, their hopes, and their vision for the future are reflected back in the decisions we make.”
Concluding the formal proceedings, the Wales YFC Choir performed Fel Hyn Da Ni Fod (This is how we are meant to be) by the Welsh folk-rock band Bwncath as the royal delegation prepared to leave.
Why Was the National Poet’s Poem Excluded?
Controversy emerged surrounding the cultural portion of the event, as National Poet of Wales Hanan Issa did not perform her scheduled reading. The Welsh-Iraqi writer revealed that her submitted poem, titled To Grow, alongside a revised draft, was rejected by the Senedd Commission.
Reports indicate that the composition referenced sensitive political and social issues, including transgender healthcare and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In response to queries regarding the exclusion, the Senedd Commission maintained that the poem “was not the right fit for this occasion.”
Background of the Particular Development
The opening of the seventh Senedd follows ongoing political evolution within devolved Welsh governance. Since its establishment via the Government of Wales Act 1998 (and subsequent expansions of legislative competence via the 2006 Act and the 2011 referendum), the Welsh Parliament—formerly known as the National Assembly for Wales before renaming in 2020—has steadily grown in authority, geographic representation, and public visibility. The current term is historically unique due to the leadership dynamic under Plaid Cymru, reflecting shifting electoral mandates and a maturing legislative body that continually balances traditional royal protocol with contemporary Welsh republican and civic sentiments.
This high-profile royal engagement and the milestone opening of the seventh Senedd are expected to heighten public discourse regarding the constitutional future of Wales, the monarchy’s role in devolved nations, and legislative priorities such as climate adaptation and environmental protection. For the Welsh electorate, the active focus on local representation, historical remembrance—such as the upcoming Aberfan anniversary—and inclusive parliamentary debate could increase civic engagement and voter awareness. However, it may also polarize opinions further between royal supporters and anti-monarchy factions, ensuring that debates over governance, cultural expression (highlighted by the poetry controversy), and accountability remain at the forefront of Welsh politics throughout the legislative term.
