King Charles speaks in Welsh as he hails milestone 25th anniversary of the Senedd

King Charles and Queen Camilla received a warm welcome as they arrived at the Senedd this morning to mark its 25th anniversary.

The King waved to crowds as he stepped out of the car, while the Queen - who is wearing a baby pink coat dress and cream hat - smiled sweetly to those gathered outside.

The Royal Welsh formed a Guard of Honour to mark their arrival and were later greeted by primary school children representing schools from across Wales, a civic line-up, the Llywydd, presiding officer Elin Jones and First Minister of Wales Vaughan Gething.

Sweet pictures show the King and Queen shaking hands with some of the children, who were clutching Welsh flags.

After greeting a number of officials, Charles stood to give a speech where he showed off his impressive language skills by speaking part of it in Welsh.

"The Queen and I are so delighted to join you today as we mark this significant milestone in our history – the twenty-fifth anniversary of Welsh devolution," the King said. "It is a milestone on a journey which it has been my privilege, all my life, to share with you.

"During times which have seen great change, profound sorrow, and tremendous achievement. Through it all, my respect and affection for the people of this ancient land have deepened with every passing year.

"Braint yw cael rhannu eich cariad at y wlad arbennig hon. [It is a privilege to share your love for this special land]."

Charles went on to pay tribute to his son, the Prince of Wales, who visited north Wales earlier this week.

He said: "It has given me great pleasure to see my son’s relationship with this special land continue, including returning only this week to Anglesey - Ynys Môn – a place which I know means so much to him."

He went on to hail Welsh culture, and said: "What a unique mosaic of places, landscapes and cultures is entrusted to your care: o Fôn i Fynwy [from Anglesey to Monmouth], from Caergybi to Cardiff Bay - with all the myriad of communities in between: urban and rural, in all their complex diversity.

"Y mae – os ga’ i ddweud – yn dda iawn i weld bod y Senedd yn defnyddio’r iaith Gymraeg gymaint. Nid fel symbol yn unig. Ond fel hanfod. Gorau anrhydedd, defnydd. [It is – if I may say so – very good to see that the Senedd makes so much use of the Welsh language. Not just as a symbol. But as an essential. The best way to show honour, is to make use.]"

Concluding his speech, he said: " A great milestone has been reached. There are many more ahead. But you do not travel alone. The strength, resilience and aspiration of the Welsh people will help to sustain you.

"You take with you the goodwill and support of all who have the interests of Wales at heart. They will be equal to any task. And with those interests in mind, I pray that in the years to come, you will achieve even more, overcome even more challenges, and find even more causes for celebration."

Inside the Senedd, Charles and Camilla met party and parliamentary leaders and hear a performance by the King's new harpist, Mared Pugh-Evans, in her first performance in the position.

Two poems written by Aron Pritchard will be performed - one written when he was a school pupil to mark the official opening of the then National Assembly in 1999, and a new one written for this event. Mr Pritchard is now a member of staff at the Senedd.

A choir from a local primary school, Ysgol Treganna, will also perform.

The King will then give a speech marking the 25th anniversary of the Senedd, after which the Llywydd will close the session.

The visit coincides with a new law which will see the size of the Senedd increase to 96 members from 2026.