The date and details for King Charles' first visit to Cardiff since becoming the new head of state have been officially confirmed. The monarch and Queen Consort will visit the capital on Friday, September 16.
It comes following the death of Her Majesty the Queen. Britain's longest-reigning monarch passed away on Thursday, September 8 in Balmoral. The visit will be the third of the couple's official engagements following their attendance at ceremonies in Belfast and Edinburgh. King Charles will visit Llandaff Cathedral, the Senedd, and Cardiff Castle during his trip.
Read more: Prince William issues emotional 'life without Grannie' statement as he mourns Queen's death
The visit will occur three days before the Queen's funeral on Monday, September 19. You can read more about the funeral plans here.
The accession visit will comprise a service of prayer and reflection at Llandaff Cathedral, attended by senior faith leaders from communities across Cardiff. The Royal couple will then visit the Senedd to receive a motion of condolence.
This will be followed by a reception at Cardiff Castle which will include a private audience with the King for the First Minister and the Presiding Officer of the Senedd, Elin Jones.
Cardiff Council have said the public are welcome to gather in the castle grounds and it is expected the King and Queen Consort will meet the public after the Castle reception. Space is limited and entry will be restricted to around the first 2,000 people to arrive.
The ceremony comes after Cardiff has played a key role in Wales' response to the Queen's death, announced last Thursday evening. Yesterday, at 1pm in Cardiff Castle, the 104th Regiment fired a 96-gun salute – representing every year of Her Majesty's life. You can see more on this here.
At 2pm the Rt Hon Lord Mayor of Cardiff Cllr Graham Hinchey, and the Council leader, Cllr Huw Thomas, opened books of condolence at City Hall. These will remain open for the public from 9am-5pm daily, until 5pm on the day of the State Funeral.
Tomorrow, the Castle plays host to the proclamation of the new sovereign when King Charles is formally announced in Wales as the new monarch. You can read more about the details for that here.
Floral tributes in memory of The Queen can be placed on the lawn areas either side of City Hall’s main entrance in Cardiff, between 9am and 5pm.
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