A Senedd security worker has retained his ceremonial role of Mace-bearer for the new King and said he'll keep the memory of meeting the Queen "in my heart forever".
Shahzad Khan, a member of the Senedd security team, will perform this "unique duty" for the second time when the King and Queen Consort arrive in Cardiff on Friday. Calling it a "very sombre moment, but also a privilege", Mr Khan was also the Mace-bearer when the Queen visited the Senedd last year in what was her final visit to Wales.
“I was very honoured to be the Mace-bearer when the Queen visited the Senedd last year and I was lost for words when I was asked to do it again," he said. "I have a specific memory of the meeting - just looking at her as she entered the room was an amazing feeling and you could feel the whole room shift. I’ll keep that memory in my heart forever.
“Being the Mace-bearer this time is in very sad circumstances, but myself and my family are proud of my role in this historic moment. It will feel very different doing it as it’s a very sombre moment, but it’s also a privilege to be part of the transition to the reign of the new King."
Read more: How Llandaff is preparing to become the first place in Wales the new King will visit
The King and the Queen Consort will arrive at the Senedd around lunchtime on Friday afternoon to receive a Motion of Condolence from Members of the Senedd. The visit is part of a day of royal engagements in the capital, which also include a service of reflection at Llandaff Cathedral and a reception at Cardiff Castle where the King will have a private audience with the First Minister, Mark Drakeford MS, and the Llywydd of the Senedd, Rt Hon Elin Jones MS.
Thousands are expected to turn out and line the streets along the route of the Royal party and at Cardiff Castle, 2,000 members of the public - on a first come, first served basis – will also be welcomed into the grounds.
There will be a number of road closures in Cardiff this week in preparation for arrival of King Charles. You can find out where these will be here.
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