King Charles opens seventh Senedd term in Cardiff with Queen Camilla
King Charles III officially opened the seventh term of the Senedd in Cardiff on Thursday 15 October 2026, with Queen Camilla beside him. He addressed Members of the Senedd in the Siambr, the parliament's debating chamber, to begin the new term after a Senedd election. BBC
The Senedd, the Welsh Parliament, holds a ceremonial opening after each election. The date for the 2026 ceremony had been set for 15 October. Senedd The King and the Queen were greeted on arrival by First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth and Llywydd Huw Irranca-Davies, the Senedd's presiding officer.
The King spoke of his long association with Wales. He said he had "always felt immensely privileged and proud to have a special connection with Wales – with its language, its culture and its landscape – for so much of my life." Royal Central
He spoke in both languages. His address included the Welsh message 'Pob bendith ar eich gwaith er lles y wlad arbennig hon'.
It was a first. This was the first time the King and the Queen had attended the Senedd's ceremonial opening together since he became King. Their last joint visit to the Senedd was on Thursday 11 July 2024, to mark 25 years of devolution.
There was protest outside. Demonstrators chanted 'not my King' and 'down, down, down with the Crown' during the visit.
For anyone new to this ceremony, the form is simple. The monarch does not take part in debate. The King is invited to address Members, and that address formally opens the new term.
