King Charles III delivered a speech focusing on themes of “continuity” and “endurance” during his address at the opening of the seventh Senedd in Cardiff. Speaking in Welsh, he quoted the poet John Ceiriog Hughes, saying, “Aros mae’r mynyddau mawr,” which translates to “the great mountains remain.” The King announced plans to return to Wales next week with the Queen and the Prince of Wales to mark the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster, describing the tragedy as having brought Wales "to the attention and to the hearts of the entire world for the most unbearable of reasons." He praised the Aberfan community as exemplifying the strength of both the Welsh people and the broader human spirit.

During the event, King Charles interacted with Gareth Jones, 66, who shared a photograph taken when he was six years old with Prince Philip a day after Pantglas junior school was engulfed by a colliery tip slurry. Jones recounted how his teacher had pushed him through a classroom window to safety before the school caretaker, Stephen Andrew, pulled him to safety. Andrew’s great-grandsons later presented a posy to the Queen.

Welsh national poet Hanan Issa was scheduled to perform at the Senedd but her poem, "To Grow," which includes references to Gaza, was deemed too political and ultimately rejected by the Senedd commission. Issa expressed disappointment, stating that she was encouraged to focus on celebrating the achievements of the Senedd members rather than on political themes. She said that the decision suggested political discourse framed as poetry was unwelcome in the chamber. The Senedd commission, while affirming respect for Issa’s artistic independence and admiration for her work, explained that the poem was not considered appropriate for the occasion.

Outside the Senedd, a group of anti-monarchy protesters gathered but were largely drowned out by applause from attendees inside the building. The event thus combined moments of reflection on Welsh resilience with tensions surrounding the boundaries of political expression in official settings.