LIVE: King Charles, Queen Camilla and Prince William Arrive in Aberfan For Rare Joint Outing

The King gave a speech at the Aberfan and Merthyr Vale Community Centre. Here is his full speech:

It has been so very special for The Queen, The Prince of Wales, and myself, to be back with you here in Aberfan as you mark 60 years since what was, and always will be, the saddest and most tragic, of days imaginable.

Over the years, as once again today, it has been profoundly humbling to hear the testimonies of survivors, of relatives who lost their loved ones and of rescuers who fought so hard to save others during this appalling tragedy. We have heard stories of heartbreak, but also of heroism. We have heard of the most agonising grief, but also of the most inspiring grace.

Today, in our nation, and across the world, thoughts will turn to you in Aberfan. Hearts, far from this valley, will ache with yours. Tears, from those who remember, and those who at the time were not yet born, will be shed with yours.

Here, we share a moment what you must always bear. Today, we pause to remember what you can never forget. Throughout all this, and through all the years, your unconquerable spirit has shone all the more brightly for the darkness which it has overcome. No one should ever have to bear what you, as a community, have endured.

But no one could have borne it with greater strength, resilience, or hope.

So, please know how deeply we feel with your sorrow, how greatly we admire your strength, and how you will, always, be in our hearts. Pob bendith ar bobl Aberfan.

The final Welsh phrase loosely translates to 'Every blessing on the people of Aberfan'

At the Aberfan and Merthyr Vale Community Centre, William spoke with members of the public and at one point sat with some pupils from the Pantglas Junior School. Expressing his feelings, he said, "It’s been so nice spending some time chatting to you. I could spend all time listening to your recollections.” He further added that he was glad they were here and believed it was a "slither of hope" that could be taken. 

Camilla, who often uses symbolic brooches to pay sartorial tributes, did so during her outing in Aberfan as well. She wore a brooch in the shape of a leek - the national symbol of Wales - as a subtle nod to the country.

The Queen Consort had worn the same brooch during the historic Senedd opening in Cardiff last week.

Amid the sombre atmosphere, Charles and Camilla were seen having a sweet interaction with a dog as they met the crowd that had gathered; a lighter moment during an otherwise deeply emotional day.

Charles, Camilla, and William arrived at the Aberfan and Merthyr Vale Community Centre after a solemn visit to the Aberfan Memorial Garden on Wednesday.

After a solemn visit to the Aberfan Memorial Garden, Charles was presented with an Aberfan football club t-shirt by a member of the public. 

Interestingly, the King is seemingly not a fan of the sport, as revealed by football lover William earlier this year. However, Charles would certainly appreciate the thought behind the gift and the feelings connected to the jersey. 

As the royals arrived in Aberfan, they were greeted with a noticeably muted reception, with people standing behind barriers for the solemn occasion. It is a poignant reminder that this was no ordinary royal engagement, but a deeply personal moment for the Welsh community, still carrying the weight of one of its darkest days.

King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince William arrived at the Aberfan Memorial Garden in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, to mark the poignant 60th anniversary of the horrific tragedy. 

Last week at the Senedd opening in Wales, the King and Queen met Noah Jones, whose great-grandfather, Stephen Andrew, had helped save many children during the disaster. They also met survivor Gareth Jones, whose life was saved by Andrew 60 years ago. 

On 21 October 1966, a coal waste tip collapsed in the town of Aberfan, in South Wales, and engulfed the Pantglas Junior School and surrounding homes. The horrifying disaster claimed the lives of 116 children and 28 adults. The tragedy continues to be a dark day in UK history. Today marks its 60th anniversary.