Here’s some newly-released video footage of King Charles III visiting Swansea in 1969 as the nation prepares for his Coronation on the weekend.
His Majesty twice visited Swansea that year following his investiture as Prince of Wales – once in July, to announce the Queen’s intention to declare Swansea a city, and then in December to make the declaration.
In 2019, he again visited Swansea as part of celebrations to mark its 50th year as a city.
They’re among several visits King Charles III has made to Swansea over the years.
The Coronation of King Charles III and the Queen Consort is taking place at Westminster Abbey in London on Saturday (May 6).
Cllr Mike Day, Lord Mayor of Swansea, said: “As Lord Mayor, on behalf of the people of Swansea, I have written to Buckingham Palace to offer congratulations to King Charles and the Queen Consort.
“Saturday will be a momentous event – the first Coronation in many people’s lifetimes – and as a country, the UK is the best in the world when it comes to events of this kind.
“This video footage shows one of the King’s several visits to Swansea, and we thank him for his service during his 54 years as Prince of Wales.”
Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “We recognise on occasions like this communities will want to come together, which is why we’ve waived usual road closure fees for street parties. Over 20 street parties and celebrations across the city will benefit from this on Saturday.
“The council will also be lighting up Guildhall in purple on Sunday evening in recognition of the Lighting Up the Nation concert being staged at Windsor Castle.
”These are among a number of ways we’re marking the Coronation and giving local people the chance to enjoy the celebrations.”
The council’s West Glamorgan Archive Service has made an online exhibition available, telling the story of how proclamations and Coronations have been locally celebrated over the years.
The exhibition at www.swansea.gov.uk/archivescoronations includes information on how the new sovereign is proclaimed.
The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery and libraries at Gorseinon, Llansamlet, Morriston and Central will also be open on Coronation Day (May 6) for royal-themed craft events.
These events will follow-on from other Coronation-themed activities being held in other Swansea libraries this week.
