Charles and Camilla attend Senedd opening amid protest

King Charles and Queen Camilla attended the ceremonial opening of the Seventh Senedd in Cardiff on October 15, where Charles addressed members of the Welsh Parliament and spoke of his connection to Wales. Anti-monarchy protesters gathered outside the legislature as the royal couple arrived. The ceremony took place in the Siambr debating chamber following a Senedd election. Charles and Camilla were welcomed by First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth and Llywydd Huw Irranca-Davies. It was the first ceremonial opening of the Welsh Parliament attended by Charles as monarch, and the first time Camilla joined him at the event in that role. In his address, Charles referred to Wales’s language, culture and landscape, saying he had long felt “immensely privileged, and proud” to have a special connection with the country. He also spoke in Welsh, offering a blessing for the work of the Senedd. He urged members to draw on Wales’s shared strengths as they worked on behalf of its people. Outside the parliament, protesters were heard chanting “not my King” and “down, down, down with the Crown.