King Charles and Queen Camilla attend Seventh Senedd opening

The ceremony may be in Cardiff Bay, but the new parliamentary term will directly affect Newport.

Senedd decisions affect daily life in Newport, from public services to major infrastructure projects, including ongoing debates about the M4 and the future of the Brynglas Tunnels.

The Welsh Government has announced an 18-month programme to tackle M4 congestion around Newport, including possible junction closures, alternative-road upgrades and changes to the Brynglas Tunnels.

Queen Elizabeth II meets Dragons players Toby Faletau, Dan Lydiate and Newport-born Ryan Jones in 2012 (Image: Arthur Edwards/PA Wire)

The Welsh Government is considering closing Junction 27 at High Cross and the east-facing slip roads at Junctions 26 and 25 as possible measures to address congestion.

Members of the Senedd (MSs) will be responsible for scrutinising these plans.

The ceremony also marks a historic shift in Welsh politics.

The Seventh Senedd is the first elected under the new system, which increases the number of MSs from 60 to 96.

Wales now has 16 constituencies, each represented by six MSs.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to arrive in Cardiff Bay around lunchtime, where they will be formally welcomed.

The King will speak inside the Siambr, the Senedd’s debating chamber.

Presiding Officer Huw Irranca-Davies and First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth will speak too.

Poetry and music will reflect Welsh culture and tradition during the ceremony.

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth will be addressing the Senedd during the visit (Image: Ella Groves, ICNN Senedd Reporter)

This will be the first opening of the Welsh Parliament attended by King Charles III and Queen Camilla since the King’s accession to the throne.

Queen Elizabeth II attended the last ceremonial opening in 2021, alongside Charles and Camilla in their former roles as Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.

The public can gather outside the Senedd to see the royal couple.

The event will also be broadcast live on Senedd TV and YouTube.

After the ceremony, the royal couple will meet members of the Welsh Youth Parliament, Senedd commissioners, MSs and representatives of community and youth organisations.