King Charles III is due to make his first official visit to Wales when he visits Cardiff with the Queen Consort on Friday, September 16. The couple's first port of call will be Llandaff Cathedral for a remembrance service for the Queen, before they head to the Senedd for a Motion of Condolence, and then, finally, Cardiff Castle.
Preparations for the royal visit have been going on for days, with Llandaff Cathedral announcing its closure to prepare for the service the day after the Queen's death was announced. Workers have since been out in force in the area, ensuring everything is spotless for the visit.
From weeding and cutting back hedges to covering potholes, areas of Cardiff are getting a makeover before the new King arrives in the city. With the media set to cover the event throughout the day, crews have been busy setting up light and sound equipment outside the cathedral for the service, which will also be televised.
READ MORE: All the places you can see King Charles III in Cardiff on Friday
With the couple having engagements all across the city, preparations are taking in place in various areas and extensive road closures are in place for Friday. Cardiff Council is urging anyone travelling to the city for the royal visit on September 16 to plan their journey in advance and to leave plenty of time to get into the city. Here are just some of the preparations taking place across the city.
What's happening by Llandaff Cathedral?
As previously stated, preparations for the King's visit to Llandaff Cathedral have been going on for almost a week, transforming the picturesque Cathedral Green and its surroundings. Roads in the area, including the High Street, have been closed, residents have been asked to park their cars elsewhere, and the area around the Cathedral has been given a good clean.
Upon their arrival on Friday, the King and Queen Consort will be greeted at the cathedral by the Lord Lieutenant of South Glamorgan. A Service of Prayer and Reflection for the Life of The Queen will be led by the Dean. The Archbishop will give the address and the First Minister will be called upon to give a reading.
The Bishop of Llandaff and Interfaith leaders will lead the prayers. After the Service has taken place, the King and Queen Consort will undertake a short walkabout on Llandaff Green to meet with school children and members of the local community. Cardiff Council has advised people to plan ahead as parking at Llandaff is expected to be difficult, with several road closures and parking restrictions in place.
A number of large vehicles have been parked in the area as preparations continue. Rehearsals have been taking place at the cathedral for the service. As well as the steps of the cathedral being jet washed, street cleaners have been deployed by the council in the area. Crews have also been busy setting up light and sound equipment outside the cathedral, as well as a stage. People are continuing to leave floral tributes around the City Cross on the Cathedral Green.
What's happening by the Senedd?
From Llandaff Cathedral, the King and Queen Consort will travel to the Senedd, where they will be greeted by The Llywydd and First Minister. They will then process into the Siambr, (the Senedd's debating chamber), accompanied by the First Minister and party leaders where the First Minister will propose the Motion of Condolence, the King will stand to reply and the Llywdd will close the session.
After the session has taken place, the King and Queen consort will view condolence messages in the Cwrt Area and meet Members of the Youth Parliament. They will greet Senedd Members in the Neuadd and , upon departure, will meet members of the public. Preparations are taking place in Cardiff Day for the event.
Armed police have been pictured walking around the area, with barriers up on some of the roads. Screens outside the Wales Millennium Centre are showing photographic tributes to Queen Elizabeth.
What's happening by Cardiff Castle?
As preparations for the visit continue, the area around Cardiff Castle and Sophia Gardens has become busy. For their third engagement of the day, the King and Queen Consort will head to Cardiff Castle, where the King is expected to receive the First Minister of Wales and the Presiding Officer.
National Express buses are picking up and dropping off passengers from Cathedral Road, rather than Sophia Gardens, as preparations take place. Police and workers can be seen at Sophia Gardens, while temporary bus shelters have been put in place along Fitzhamon Embankment.
Road closures will be in place across much of the city centre and beyond on Friday, which you can find more information on here. People have started to visit the castle ahead of the event. Bob Rice, co-owner of Castle Welsh Crafts (which is opposite Cardiff Castle), with his daughter Charlotte Rice-Ward said: “We will be open tomorrow. Normally, we are opened over the weekend but we have decided to close this Sunday as our mark of respect to the Queen.
“It’s a momentous occasion. And in my nearly 72 years, she’s the only monarch I’ve known. For that, I’ll be watching the funeral. I expect it will be very busy here tonight. The proclamation attracted quite a lot and I think this will attract a lot too. It’s been busy here.
"We’ve had one or two who intended on going into the castle and only realised it was closed to the public when they got there. When we’ve explained to them why, they have been very sympathetic. King Charles will make a great king, he’s had the best apprenticeship - the Queen was faultless.”
Jenny Collins from London visiting Cardiff with friends. She said: “We arranged this trip over a month ago. But hopefully we’ll get to see King Charles - we’ll either go to the cathedral or the castle. I met the Queen once whilst I was living in Italy. She was walking down the red carpet outside the Rome Town Hall and asked the lady right next to me if she lived in Rome. The woman didn’t, but I was too nervous to tell her that I did. She was wonderful.”
Manal Othman from Saudi Arabia said: “This is my first time in the UK and in Cardiff. It’s a wonderful city. The first place I wanted to visit in the city was the castle. I was very sad to hear about the Queen, I want to be here when King Charles gets here.”
READ NEXT:
