The Prince of Wales joined King Charles and Queen Camilla in Aberfan on Wednesday to mark 60 years since the disaster that devastated the Welsh village on 21 October 1966. A total of 116 children and 28 adults were killed when 150,000 tonnes of coal waste slid down the hillside after days of heavy rain and engulfed Pantglas Junior School. It was a rare joint outing for the King, the Queen and Prince William as a trio, coming the morning after the royals hosted a state banquet for the Sultan of Oman at Windsor Castle.
The King and Queen flew in by royal helicopter after bidding the Sultan farewell, while William arrived separately. At the Aberfan Memorial Garden, on the site of the junior school, the King and Prince William laid wreaths and the Queen placed a posy, before the royals met survivors, bereaved parents, retired emergency service workers and the Aberfan Wives support group at the community centre.
In a moving speech, the King said: "Hearts, far from this valley, will ache with yours," before ending in Welsh: "Pob bendith ar bobl Aberfan." Some royal fans feel that seeing the monarch and the future King side by side gives the nation's biggest moments extra weight and shows continuity. Others believe the royals reach more communities by carrying out engagements separately. Where do you stand? Cast your vote below and tell us in the comments.
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