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Prince William Unveils Aberfan Memorial Tree Sculpture

By Drooid · Oct 21, 2026, 4:06 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

King Charles III, Queen Camilla and Prince William visited Aberfan and laid wreaths at the memorial garden.
Prince William unveiled the Aberfan Memorial Tree sculpture at Ynysowen Community Primary School.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham met survivors and laid a wreath on Monday.
First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth called the 1966 disaster one of Wales' darkest days.

History

Historical Context

The Universal Colliery explosion on 14 October 1913 killed 439 miners, the deadliest British mining disaster. A centenary memorial garden opened in Senghenydd in 2013 and was added to the Cadw/ICOMOS historic register in March 2024. Today King Charles III, Prince William, Prime Minister Andy Burnham and First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth attended its dedication, linking past tragedy to ongoing safety remembrance.

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Story summary

King Charles III, Queen Camilla and Prince William visited Aberfan and laid wreaths at the memorial garden.
Prince William unveiled the Aberfan Memorial Tree sculpture at Ynysowen Community Primary School.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham met survivors and laid a wreath on Monday.
First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth called the 1966 disaster one of Wales' darkest days.

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