A royal harpist from Powys has been personally chosen by King Charles to perform at his and Queen Camilla’s coronation ceremony, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.

The eyes of the world will be on Alis Huws, who hails from Foel, near Llanfair Caereinion, when she performs with the Coronation Orchestra at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6.

Speaking to the Powys County Times about performing at such a momentous occasion, Alis said: “I’m so honoured to have been asked to play a part in what will be a memorable event and day for the whole country.

“I am excited to be playing the Royal Harp at the coronation.”

Buckingham Palace said King Charles personally commissioned the musical programme and part of the service will be sung in Welsh. A number of Welsh musicians and composers will be performing including world-famous opera singer Sir Bryn Terfel and one of Britain’s most loved and celebrated living composers Sir Karl Jenkins.

Fluent Welsh speaker Alis said she is “thrilled” to be playing a small role in the historic event as part of the Coronation Orchestra which Buckingham Palace said was “in recognition of The King’s long-standing and deeply held relationship and affiliation with Wales”. One of the liturgical sections of the ceremony will also be performed in Welsh.

The talented Montgomeryshire musician was announced as the royal harpist in July 2019 to mark the 50th anniversary of King Charles’ investiture as the Prince of Wales. It was also during the same week she graduated from the prestigious Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Alis is the sixth person to take on the post of royal harpist since King Charles reinstated the role in 2000. She was used to playing for royalty, having already performed for the Royal family on several occasions.

Her role as royal harpist has included many high-profile performances in the UK and across the world such as playing the harp in front of the late Queen Elizabeth at the Senedd, and even performing alongside pop star Sir Rod Stewart and on ITV’s This Morning.

She added: “It’s a privilege to have been in this role for the past four years and have had some amazing experiences because of it.”

Alis, who attended Ysgol Dyffryn Banw and Caereinion High School, said she was lucky enough to visit 30 schools across rural Powys during February as part of the Live Music Now campaign to bring live music to schools, care homes, hospitals and community settings.

“It’s been so special being able to give something small back to the community I grew up in,” she said.

Alis will be performing at the coronation of their majesties The King and The Queen Consort at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6.