King Charles surprised guests by switching from English to Welsh during a speech at the Welsh Parliament, as he reflected on his special connection with the country.
The monarch was joined by Queen Camilla at the ceremonial opening of the Senedd in Cardiff on Thursday, October 15. It marked the first time Charles had attended the ceremony as King, following the recent Senedd election.
King's affection for Wales
During his address to Members of the Senedd, Charles spoke about his affection for Wales and the connection he has had with the country throughout his life.
He said: "I have always felt immensely privileged, and proud, to have had such a special connection with Wales – with its language, its culture and its landscape – for so much of my life."
The King went on to praise the country as he addressed those responsible for its future. He added: "As you take forward your task of government, we know you will bear always in mind, and draw inspiration from, those shared strengths, as you work on behalf of the people of this most special corner of the Earth."
Switch to Welsh
Charles then switched to Welsh, saying: "Pob bendith ar eich gwaith er lles y wlad arbennig hon." The words mean: "Heartfelt thanks for your work for the welfare and success of this special land."
The King and Queen were welcomed to the Welsh Parliament by First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth and the Senedd's presiding officer, Huw Irranca-Davies.
However, not everyone outside was celebrating their arrival, with protesters heard chanting "not my King" and "down, down, down with the Crown".
Aberfan community meeting
During the visit, Charles also met people with personal connections to the Aberfan disaster. Among them were two young boys whose great-grandfather, Stephen Andrew, helped rescue children from Pantglas Junior School during the tragedy.
Charles spoke about the strength of the community, saying: "I am enormously touched that people from the Aberfan community are with us today."
The King, Queen Camilla and Prince William are expected to visit Aberfan next week to mark the 60th anniversary of the disaster. The visit will commemorate the 144 people who died when a coal waste tip collapsed onto the village in October 1966.
