Overview
- The ceremonial opening, which took place on Thursday, October 15, saw King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend the Siambr as the enlarged seventh Senedd of 96 members was formally inaugurated.
- Protesters outside the Senedd chanted slogans including “Not my King” and “Down with the Crown,” and police issued a Section 14 notice to control noisy demonstrators.
- Inside the chamber the King delivered a short address that included remarks in Welsh and a plea about his long personal connection to Wales.
- Buckingham Palace released statements and a video message and said security and briefing plans were in place to manage disruption and public reaction.
- The ceremony featured cultural performances and institutional firsts such as the King's official harpist performing and Delyth Lewis becoming the first woman mace‑bearer, and coverage noted polling that shows a majority in Wales still favour the monarchy, framing wider constitutional debate.