Cross of Wales presented to Church in Wales at Goldsmiths’ Hall

The Cross of Wales being presented to the Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, by the Prime Warden of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, Professor Charles Mackworth-Young. Photograph: Paul Read

Thursday 25 January 2024 - Today, the Cross of Wales was presented to the Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, by the Prime Warden of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, Professor Charles Mackworth-Young, in a short ceremony at Goldsmiths’ Hall in the City of London.

The Cross - which led the Coronation procession at Westminster Abbey on May 6 - was commissioned by His Majesty King Charles III, as Prince of Wales, to celebrate the centenary of the Church in Wales, with The Goldsmiths' Company delivering the design and production processes.

The commission was managed by Dr Frances Parton, Deputy Curator of the Goldsmiths’ Company, who worked with the internationally renowned master silversmith Michael Lloyd who designed and made the piece. Designed, in collaboration with the Royal Collection, and with The King’s longstanding environmental priorities in mind – it is created from silver sheet produced from recycled bullion provided by the Royal Mint at Llantrisant, with a shaft of Welsh windfall timber and a stand of Welsh slate.

In compliance with the Hallmarking Act, the silver elements of the Cross bear a full hallmark (of the London Assay Office), including The ‘King’s Mark’ (leopard’s head) which was applied by The King himself in November 2022 when visiting The Goldsmiths’ Centre in London to meet trainees and apprentices and celebrate its tenth anniversary. It is the first time in history that a monarch has applied The ‘King’s Mark’ (leopard’s head).

The cross includes a relic of the True Cross, given to the King by Pope Francis to mark the Coronation, and is chased on the back with words from the last sermon of St David: “Byddwch lawen. Cadwch y ffydd. Gwnewch y Pethau Bychain”, which translates as: “Be joyful. Keep the faith. Do the little things.”

The Cross of Wales (front & back) on its Welsh slate stand, Michael Lloyd, 2023, The Goldsmiths' Company. Photograph: Richard Valencia.

On its return to Wales, the Cross of Wales will initially be displayed at St Deiniol’s Cathedral, Bangor, the seat of the current Archbishop of Wales, before beginning a tour around all the Welsh cathedrals with the aim of giving everyone an opportunity to see it. Its use going forward will be shared between the Anglican and Catholic Churches in Wales.

“The Cross of Wales is a hugely significant ecumenical symbol.”, said Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John. “Taking its inspiration from the earliest roots of our Christian history, and inscribed in Welsh with the words of St David, the Cross will remind us all of the heart of our faith.  It not only provides a focus of unity across our different traditions, but will also be a lasting sign of The King’s respect and affection for Wales.”

Professor Charles Mackworth-Young, Prime Warden (Chairman-equivalent) of the Goldsmiths’ Company, commented: “The Cross of Wales shows not only the relevance of traditional skills and craftsmanship in the modern world, but also the enduring nature of beautifully made objects, with practical purpose. We were thrilled to see the Cross lead the arrival of His Majesty the King at the Coronation and are delighted that it will see service in the Church in Wales for generations to come.”

The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Cardiff, Mark O’Toole said, “I am delighted that the Cross of Wales is coming ‘home’.   It is a precious gift to the Welsh people from His Majesty the King, and especially so as it contains a relic of the True Cross, generously gifted by Pope Francis.  It is not only a sign of the deep Christian roots of our nation but will, I am sure, encourage us all to model our lives on the love given by our Saviour, Jesus Christ.  We look forward to the various celebrations that will take place around it, being able to honour it in the dignified setting in which it will find a permanent home among us.”

Welsh love songs were played during the ceremony by the Royal harpist, Alis Huws, in celebration of St Dwynwen’s Day (25 January), the Welsh patron saint of lovers.