Tributes have been paid to the strength and resilience of the community in Aberfan, Wales, on the 60th anniversary of a disaster which claimed the lives of 116 children and 28 adults.
An entire generation was almost wiped out when 150,000 tonnes of coal waste slid down the hillside before engulfing Pantglas Junior School on 21 October 1966.
King Charles, Queen Camilla and Prince William joined survivors and bereaved families in the village today, visiting the Aberfan Memorial Garden, which is located on the site of the junior school, and the nearby Aberfan and Merthyr Vale Community Centre.
During his visit, Charles said it had been “profoundly humbling” to hear the testimonies of survivors.
In an address to those gathered for the anniversary, he said: “We have heard stories of heartbreak, but also of heroism.
“We have heard of the most agonising grief, but also of the most inspiring grace.”
Prince William laying a wreath at the site of the disaster
He added: “Throughout all this, and through all the years, your unconquerable spirit has shone all the more brightly for the darkness which it has overcome.
“No-one should ever have to bear what you, as a community, have endured, but no one could have borne it with greater strength, resilience, or hope.
“Please know how deeply we feel with your sorrow, how greatly we admire your strength, and how you will, always, be in our hearts.”
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The disaster in Aberfan unfolded following days of heavy rain, when excavated mining debris from the Merthyr Vale Colliery was dislodged and came thundering down the hillside.
The waste material had been piled high on the side of Mynydd Merthyr – above Aberfan – for years, even though there were numerous underground springs below.
Mining spoil from the hillside high above the town came down and engulfed The Pantglas Junior Schoo
Children in Pantglas Junior School were just getting ready for lessons when 1.5 million cubic feet of liquefied slurry crashed into the school and a number of nearby houses.
About half the children from the junior school died in the tragedy, which happened on the last day before half-term.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham also paid tribute to the victims.
Mr Burnham said: “I am sure the thoughts of the whole House will be with the community today, and with the people of Wales.
“I visited on Monday and heard how the injustices people suffered at the time and in the aftermath of the tragedy at the hands of the state still hurt.
“This is a day to recognise that, say sorry for it, but celebrate the strength and spirit of a community that has stood together through adversity all of these years.”