King Charles And Queen Camilla Have a Surprising Reaction As Protesters Chant ‘Not My King’
During his speech at the ceremonial opening of the Senedd, the King expressed his 'special connection' with Wales, emphasizing his pride in its heritage.
King Charles and Queen Camilla officiated the Seventh Senedd, representing their inaugural ceremonial opening of the Welsh Parliament as monarchs yesterday. However, their historic presence was marred by demonstrators who gathered outside the Senedd holding placards with slogans such as 'Down with the Crown' and 'Not My King.' Their arrival was greeted by protesters singing "Yma o Hyd," a Welsh nationalist song meaning "We're still here." Meanwhile, Charles and Camilla reacted to the scene with dignity, showing their sense of responsibility.
The protestors continued to chant as Their Majesties approached the Senedd steps to meet First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth and Llywydd Huw Irranca-Davies. However, Charles and Camilla remained unfazed by the shouts as they were greeted. They were warmly welcomed, and as they departed the Senedd after the opening of Parliament, the crowd shouted, "We love you, King Charles!" to which the monarch cheerfully waved back.
During his speech at the ceremonial opening of the Senedd, the King expressed his "special connection" with Wales, emphasizing his pride in its language, culture, and landscape, and noted that he has felt privileged to have this connection for much of his life. He expressed heartfelt thanks to the audience for their work for the welfare of their special land, concluding with a Welsh phrase to underscore his gratitude.
Their Majesties and the Prince of Wales will visit Wales next week to mark the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan tragedy, HELLO! reported. The King and the Queen also met with Gareth Jones, 66, a survivor of the Aberfan disaster.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Jones shared a photograph of himself as a child with Prince Philip, taken the day after the tragedy that affected Pantglas Junior School 60 years ago. Charles shared comforting words with Jones: "How are you keeping?" he asked. "We are coming soon, for the commemoration." Jones was rescued by a school caretaker, Stephen Andrew, who then urged him to "run home".
Stephen's great-grandsons, Noah (10) and Charlie (11), presented a posy to the Queen. Noah recounted a chance meeting with Jones, unaware of their family connection, as they shared a framed photograph of the late Duke of Edinburgh with Gareth's family.
The King recognized the photo. The royal couple also met Len Moss, an off-duty nurse who aided children at Pantglas school after the disaster, HELLO! reported.
