WORKS to improve the appearance of a prominent Tenby hotel which overlooks both Caldey Island and St Catherine’s Island have been backed by the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Martin Phillips of Clarence House Hotel, The Esplanade sought permission for to replace existing signage with “newer, less obtrusive signs,” including a change of the front signage for one incorporating the Clarence’s name and logo.

Tenby Town Council backed the proposals, saying it was a “markedly improved upgrade on the Grade-II-listed hotel, in the town’s conservation area.

An officer report recommending approval said: “There are five new signs proposed as part of this application. These will aim to replace the existing and dated signage currently present on the Clarence House Hotel.

“The Building Conservation Officer has supported the application and has stated that the designs are a clear improvement on the existing situation. The proposed signage is to replace the existing signage with a more modern design; however, this will not impact the heritage of the listed building and has a positive impact on the street scene. The designs are appropriate in terms of design, scale and positioning.

“[Policy] requires that the identity and character of the town and village is not lost. The proposed signage does not compromise the existing character of the building or the streetscape and is therefore acceptable.

“The proposal for new signage for the Clarence House Hotel will have a beneficial impact on the street scene and the conservation area of Tenby. The proposal adheres to all relevant national, regional and local legislation and policy.”

The application was approved by park planners.

CARDIGAN was packed on Saturday (Apr 26) as people gathered for the town’s traditional Barley Saturday festivities.

The popular event, which dates back to the 19th century, saw hundreds line the streets to enjoy a colourful procession of horses, vintage vehicles, and floats. Families, visitors, and locals alike filled the town centre, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere throughout the day.

The event celebrates Cardigan’s agricultural heritage, when farmers would traditionally come to town to hire workers and show off their best horses after the spring sowing of barley. Today, it remains one of Ceredigion’s most cherished and best-loved annual traditions.

Speaking to The Herald, one visitor said: “It’s brilliant to see the town so full of life. The horses were beautiful, and it’s a fantastic event for all ages.”

Businesses reported a bumper day, with cafés, pubs and shops enjoying a steady stream of customers. Many said it was the busiest they had seen the town in months.

The highlight of the day was the grand parade, featuring impeccably groomed horses and carriages, followed by a wide range of classic and agricultural vehicles. Crowds cheered and applauded as they passed through the town centre.

Organisers said they were delighted with the turnout and the community spirit shown by all those who took part.

(Images: Gareth Davies Photography/Herald)

WHEN Pope Francis was laid to rest in Vatican City on Friday (Apr 25), world leaders gathered to pay their respects. Among them was the Prince of Wales, representing the United Kingdom. However, one notable absence caught the attention of many: King Charles III.

The decision for the monarch not to attend was not a personal slight, but a reflection of longstanding royal protocol.

Traditionally, reigning British monarchs do not attend funerals of foreign dignitaries — including Popes — and the reasons are deeply rooted in history, symbolism, and diplomacy.

One of the key considerations is the symbolic neutrality of the Crown.

The monarch is meant to represent the enduring stability of the United Kingdom, standing above politics and international affairs. Attending the funeral of a foreign religious or political leader could be interpreted as aligning too closely with a particular nation, cause, or faith.

Religious history also plays a role. As Supreme Governor of the Church of England, the monarch leads a Christian denomination that historically separated from the Roman Catholic Church. Although relations between Anglicans and Catholics have significantly improved over the centuries, sensitivities around the relationship remain, and tradition advises caution.

Practical diplomacy further supports this approach. By not attending any foreign funerals, the monarch avoids diplomatic complications that could arise if certain funerals were attended while others were not. It maintains a consistent, impartial stance on the international stage.

This is not a new development. When Pope John Paul II died in 2005, Queen Elizabeth II did not attend the funeral. Instead, the then-Prince of Wales — now King Charles III — represented the UK. The pattern repeated this week, with Prince William stepping into that role for his father.

Importantly, King Charles had met Pope Francis just weeks before the pontiff’s passing, during a visit to Italy. The meeting was said to be warm and meaningful, and was among the Pope’s final audiences with a head of state.

The decision for the King to remain at home and for Prince William to attend reflects a thoughtful balancing act: paying deep respect to Pope Francis while upholding centuries of royal tradition.

As the relationship between the monarchy, the Church of England, and global religious communities continues to evolve, some question whether these traditions should continue. For now, however, the protocol remains an important part of the Crown’s delicate role on the world stage.