King Charles and Queen Camilla Set to Make Royal History Without Prince William and Princess Kate

King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to make royal history in Wales without Prince William and Princess Kate as the monarch prepares to attend the formal opening of the seventh Senedd marking a landmark moment.

The historic ceremony is taking place at the Welsh Parliament in Cardiff Bay, where senior Welsh political figures will gather to mark the beginning of a new chapter for the country’s legislature.

The occasion carries particular significance for Charles, who has attended every Senedd opening since the institution’s inaugural ceremony in 1999. However, Thursday’s event marks the first time he will attend in his capacity as King rather than as the former Prince of Wales.

Camilla will accompany her husband for the ceremony, placing the royal couple at the centre of an important constitutional and cultural occasion for Wales.

One of the ceremony’s notable moments will see Delyth Lewis become the first woman to carry the ceremonial mace into the Siambr, the debating chamber of the Welsh Parliament.

The opening also marks the inauguration of the newly expanded legislature, following changes intended to give the Senedd greater capacity to represent the views and experiences of people across Wales.

The royal couple’s attendance comes without the Prince and Princess of Wales, although the event is expected to bring together prominent figures from Welsh public life.

A ceremonial escort will feature two representatives from the Welsh Youth Parliament alongside the Welsh Guards Corps of Drums, adding a traditional military and civic element to the proceedings.

Charles is also expected to deliver a historic address during the ceremony, speaking alongside Llywydd Huw Irranca-Davies MS and First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth MS.

The programme will include musical and vocal performances, reflecting the importance of Welsh culture and tradition in the formal opening of the legislature.

Ahead of the event, the Llywydd described the occasion as a significant moment in the Senedd’s development, highlighting the changes to its size and electoral system.

“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,” he said.

His remarks underline the importance of the ceremony beyond its royal presence, with the opening also representing a milestone for Welsh democracy and parliamentary representation.

The Llywydd also welcomed the King and Queen’s participation, expressing appreciation for their decision to share the occasion with the Welsh Parliament.

“We are honoured that Their Majesties The King and Queen are here to share this moment with us,” he said.

For Charles, the event represents a significant change from his previous appearances at Senedd openings, when he attended as Prince of Wales. His presence as monarch gives this ceremony a distinct place in the history of his longstanding relationship with Wales.

While William and Kate will not be part of the occasion, the focus remains on the King and Queen as Wales formally opens a new chapter in its parliamentary history.