British Royals to visit Aberfan for 60th anniversary of coal disaster

King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Prince William are scheduled to visit Aberfan on October 21 to mark the 60th anniversary of the 1966 coal tip disaster. The tragedy, which occurred when a colliery waste tip collapsed, killed 144 people, including 116 children and 28 adults.

The royal visit will include a tribute at the Aberfan Memorial Garden, located on the site of the former Pantglas Junior School. During the ceremony, the King and Prince William will lay wreaths, while Queen Camilla will place a posy in memory of the victims. Prince William is also expected to unveil the Aberfan Memorial Tree at a local primary school.

Members of the Royal Family will visit the Aberfan and Merthyr Vale Community Centre to meet with survivors, bereaved parents, and former pupils. They will also meet retired emergency service workers who participated in the rescue efforts, including a 96-year-old former police officer. The visit will feature an exhibition detailing the scale of the rescue operation and a performance by the Ynysowen Male Voice Choir.