A Powys MS shook hands with King Charles on a Royal visit marking 25 years of devolution this week - and discovered a shared love of gardening.

In a speech peppered with Welsh, Charles described the anniversary as a “significant milestone” and spoke of the “great change” that had occurred over the quarter of a century.

The King, who was visiting Cardiff with the Queen, told Senedd members that the Welsh Parliament had become essential to the life of Wales.

The former Prince of Wales also touched upon his pride in seeing his son, the current Prince of Wales, continue his relationship with the country.

Among those to shake hands with the King was Brecon and Radnorshire MS James Evans.

(Image: NQ)

Afterwards he said: "It was fantastic to see His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the Senedd yesterday to mark 25 years since the then National Assembly for Wales was opened by his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. 

“After meeting the King in the constituency last year, it was brilliant to see him in Cardiff Bay formally recognising a significant part of Welsh political history. 

“It was a pleasure to chat to him, and lovely to learn some of his gardening tips, eventually finding out he has the same variety of rose bush as me and Emma.”

Charles, who spent nine weeks at the University of Aberystwyth learning Welsh when he was 20, began by thanking the Llywydd – the Speaker – and First Minister Vaughan Gething and gathered politicians in Welsh.

King Charles III addresses the Senedd.  (Image: PA)

He added: “The Queen and I are so delighted to join you today as we mark this significant milestone in our history – the 25th anniversary of Welsh devolution.

“It is a milestone on a journey which it has been my privilege, all my life, to share with you.

“During times which have seen great change, profound sorrow, and tremendous achievement. Through it all, my respect and affection for the people of this ancient land have deepened with every passing year.”

The King said of heir to the throne William: “It has given me great pleasure to see my son’s relationship with this special land continue, including returning only this week to Anglesey – Ynys Mon – a place which I know means so much to him.”

Charles gave the Prince of Wales title to his son the day after acceding to the throne, announcing the decision in his first televised address to the nation.

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It was the monarch’s first visit to the Welsh Parliament since September 2022, when he received a motion of condolence after the death of the late Queen.

Troops from the Royal Welsh formed a guard of honour and the royal party was greeted by children representing schools across Wales.

Camilla, who was dressed in an Anna Valentine pale pink coat dress and Lock & Co straw hat, wore a leek brooch in celebration of the country’s national emblem.

The King affectionately praised Wales as a “unique mosaic of places”.