King Charles III to Address Enlarged Welsh Parliament
Royal attendance at Senedd opening sparks debate on monarchy's role amid planned protests and calls for democratic reform.
Sarah Connor
The King and Queen will attend the ceremonial opening of the Welsh Parliament on Thursday.
The King and Queen return to the event, following their 2021 attendance alongside Queen Elizabeth II.
The King is expected to address the Siambr, joined by First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth and Llywydd Huw Irranca-Davies.
Huw Irranca-Davies stated, "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."
We are honoured that Their Majesties The King and Queen are here to share this moment with us. 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.
The ceremony will feature a performance by the King's Harpist, Mared Pugh Evans; the Merched Plastaf Choir will sing O Gymru.
The King and Queen will also meet Noah Jones to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster.
Queen Elizabeth II reportedly performed this duty at each post-election session from 1999 until her death in 2022.
Broad opinion surveys in Wales indicate that 55-60% of the public favor retaining the monarchy, while 20-25% support an elected head of state.
Real Democracy Now claims activists plan to use the occasion to press their case for abolishing the monarchy, which they regard as fundamentally incompatible with democratic governance.
The group has urged elected members to publicly condemn the Welsh Government's decision to extend an invitation to the King for the ceremony.
Adam Johannes claims the Crown is a vestige of feudalism and nothing more than a brand symbol for inequality.
The monarchy encourages people to accept as normal the idea that individuals can exercise power without being elected or held to account.
Ann Davies claims the King should redistribute his inherited fortune if he possessed any sense of moral responsibility.
Hanan Issa claims her poem, To Grow, was rejected for the ceremony on the grounds that it was 'apolitical', with a second version using 'more abstract language' also reportedly rejected.
Rhun ap Iorwerth reportedly does not believe in 'kings and princes', though the issue is not a 'political priority for him'.
He claims the Prince of Wales title should be consigned to the history books.
Real Democracy Now contends that banks, major corporations, the media, the civil service, intelligence agencies, police, military, and the House of Lords all exercise significant power without sufficient democratic accountability.
Adam Johannes claims not one Senedd Member has had the courage to publicly oppose the King's visit.