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King Charles and Queen Camilla to officially open Senedd as national poet's work is dropped
Overview
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are visiting Wales to officially open the Senedd's seventh term, marking the monarch's first visit to the Welsh Parliament since 2024 and his first official meeting with First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth. The event has been overshadowed by the Senedd commission's decision to reject a poem written for the ceremony by National Poet of Wales Hanan Issa, after it referenced topics including Gaza and trans healthcare and was deemed unsuitable for an apolitical event.
Key points
- King Charles III and Queen Camilla are visiting Wales to officially open the seventh term of the Senedd.
- National Poet of Wales Hanan Issa stated that her poem, To Grow, was rejected by Senedd officials because the ceremony was considered apolitical.
- Issa's submitted poem and a subsequent abstract version touched on subjects such as Gaza and trans healthcare.
- The event marks the first official meeting between the King and Plaid Cymru leader and First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth.
- King Charles will deliver a speech to the Senedd and meet with invited guests, including pupils and local community members.