King Charles, Camilla and William visit Aberfan on 60th anniversary

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 17:32 · Archive

King Charles, Queen Camilla and Prince William visited Aberfan to mark 60 years since a coal tip collapsed onto a school, killing 144 people.

King Charles III, Queen Camilla and Prince William visited Aberfan on Wednesday to mark 60 years since the disaster that engulfed Pantglas Junior School, killing 116 children and 28 adults. The three royals arrived by helicopter and first visited the Aberfan Memorial Garden, which stands on the former school site. They met survivors and local dignitaries including the First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth and Welsh Secretary Stephen Kinnock. King Charles and Prince William laid wreaths whilst Queen Camilla placed a posy in tribute. An Archdeacon led a prayer before the royals observed a minute's silence.

After the ceremony, the royals spent time with hundreds of locals who had gathered along Moy Road to see them. They shook hands, spoke to people about their personal stories and thanked them for coming. The group then visited the Aberfan and Merthyr Vale Community Centre, where they met with retired emergency service workers who responded to the disaster, alongside survivors, bereaved parents, siblings and members of local support groups.

Survivor Jeff Edwards delivered remarks and became emotional as he personally thanked the royals for how they had stood with the community since the disaster. Prime Minister Andy Burnham also visited Aberfan on Monday to lay a wreath and speak with survivors and families.

How it is being reported

• Silence, solemnity, and solace as survivors stand shoulder-to-shoulder with King in AberfanRoyals and politicians met survivors and bereaved family members as they gathered in Aberfan to mark 60 years since the disaster, which killed 116 childrenWalesOnline · 21 Oct, 16:59
• King Charles, Camilla and William unite to mark tragedy that shook nation 60 years onThe King, Queen and Prince of Wales will mark the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster with a visit.South Wales Argus · 21 Oct, 13:41

In this story: King Charles III · Queen Camilla · Prince William · Aberfan · Pantglas Junior School · Rhun ap Iorwerth · Jeff Edwards · Andy Burnham

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