Prince William visits Aberfan disaster site years after royal misstep
Prince William, accompanied by King Charles and Queen Camilla, visited the site of the 1966 Aberfan disaster to pay respects to the victims. The visit comes 60 years after the tragedy, which remains a sensitive point in royal history due to the delayed response of Queen Elizabeth II.
Why it matters
The visit highlights the ongoing efforts of the British monarchy to address historical grievances and maintain public trust in the wake of past controversies.
Hear this story Prince William is paying his respects in Wales.
The heir to the throne joined his father King Charles and Queen Camilla for a visit to the village of Aberfan, 60 years after 144 people, the majority of them children, were killed. Their lives were lost when a coal mine tip collapsed, sending a landslide of sludge down a hillside that wiped out everything in its path.
The fast-moving waste flattened cottages, houses and Pantglas Junior School, where more than 100 students were killed by the sludge and falling debris. Rescuers used shovels and their bare hands to try and free children, teachers and locals trapped under the rubble.
While Prince Philip visited the site the day after the tragedy, it was eight days before then-monarch Queen Elizabeth visited the stricken village, a decision that became one of the most widely criticized of her 70-year reign.
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