NickThomas-Symonds said it was an ‘honour and a privilege’ to be able to represent the people of Torfaen at the Accession Council on Saturday, where King Charles III was formally proclaimed as the nation’s new Monarch.

The Accession Council is formed by members of the Privy Council. The Torfaen MP was appointed to the council in February 2021.

The ceremony is split into two parts; the first to formally announce the death of Queen Elizabeth II and proclaim the succession of King Charles III; the second part to hold his first Council, which is only attended by Privy Counsellors.

On Friday, Mr Thomas-Symonds offered his condolences at Buckingham Palace on behalf of the people of Torfaen.

He said: “To be at the Accession Council to see the formal proclamation of King Charles III and represent my home valley is an honour and a privilege.

“Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a constant in all our lives, serving our country with unending grace, dignity, and loyalty, and for that I thank her for.

“On behalf of Torfaen, I extend my sincere condolences and loyalty to King Charles III and all the Royal Family.”