Royal Magic Descends on Merthyr: The King and Queen Celebrate Welsh Community and Culture
- Categories : Press Release
- 18 Nov 2025
In a momentous day that blended royal pageantry with community spirit, Their Majesties The King and Queen brought extraordinary excitement to Merthyr Tydfil, transforming an ordinary Friday into an unforgettable celebration of poetry, education, and local pride.
Capturing the day's magic, the royal couple first engaged with local luminaries at Cyfarthfa Castle, including beloved Welsh talents like Julien Macdonald, Richard Harrington, Ruth Jones, Steve Spiers, Jeff Lloyd-Roberts, Hannah Thomas and Liam Reardon, creating a vibrant celebration of regional culture and achievement.
A special reception commemorating the Castle's bicentennial and His Majesty's 77th birthday became the centrepiece of the afternoon. School children and community members united in a jubilant atmosphere, culminating in a heartwarming rendition of "Happy Birthday" and a ceremonial cake-cutting.
The royal visit then continued at Cyfarthfa Primary School, where Her Majesty enthusiastically participated in the "Poetry Together" 2025 initiative. The project encourages school children to learn a poem and then perform it with residents from a local care home, with the aim of bringing different generations together.
The Queen joined pupils taking part in a guided reading programme, supported by local volunteers, and attended a school assembly.
Mr Owen Morgan, Head Teacher of Cyfarthfa Park Primary School commented: “‘ It was a pleasure to welcome Her Majesty to Cyfarthfa Park Primary School. The Queen’s interest in literature was clear during her visit and her promotion of literacy is a source of inspiration to our pupils. Her visit to the school will be remembered fondly by our pupils, teacher and the whole school community.”
Cllr Brent Carter, Leader of the Council added: "This isn't just a royal visit, it's a testament to Merthyr Tydfil's resilience, creativity, and community spirit.
"Thank you to everyone who turned up on the Castle forecourt to show their support and welcome their Majesties to Merthyr Tydfil."