Thousands attend a proclamation ceremony at Cardiff Castle on Sunday as King Charles became monarch following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II. The Senedd was also recalled for Welsh politicians to pay tribute to the Queen as the accession to the throne was formally confirmed at St James' Palace in London on Saturday.

 

He later spoke of the Queen's "selfless service", saying: "My mother's reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life."

The proclamation in Cardiff was one of several happening at the same time, with others in Scotland and Northern Ireland, while councils across Wales also held ceremonies throughout the day.

A full closure of roads in Cardiff city centre was in place, for safety reasons as the parade and event took place. On Friday King Charles made his first visit to Wales as king, visiting Cardiff with Queen Consort Camilla, as part of a tour of the UK nations ahead of his mother, the Queen's funeral on Monday 19 September.

On Sunday a number of events took place in memory of the Queen, and to mark the new King, with around 2,000 members of the public being invited to the ceremony at Cardiff Castle - officials stressing that entry was on a first come, first served basis. Invited guests to the castle included all Members of the Senedd, the Secretary of State for Wales, the High Sheriff of South Glamorgan, and some of the most senior members of the Army, Navy and Royal Air Force in Wales, among others.

A Proclamation Guard made up of 26 members of the 3rd Battalion the Royal Welsh and the Band of the Royal Welsh marched from City Hall to Cardiff Castle ahead of the start of the ceremony.

At 12:00 BST, First Minister Mark Drakeford called upon the Wales Herald - Thomas Lloyd OBE - to read the proclamation in English. Lord Lieutenant of South Glamorgan, Mrs Morfudd Meredith, read it in Welsh.

Mrs Meredith said: "I was very privileged and honoured to do it and obviously it was a historical occasion. I was very mindful of the history of the Accession Council which goes back to Norman times."

Speaking about the new King, she added: "I must say he's very conscientious. What he's done for Wales with his charities is fantastic. We're very grateful to him for what he does generally."

Following the Proclamation readings a 21-gun salute was fired, followed by God Save the King and Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau. The readings in Cardiff coincided with others in Edinburgh and Belfast.