Six senior clerics of the Church in Wales have been appointed as Honorary Chaplains to His Majesty The King — the first time clerics of the province have been recognised in this historic capacity.

Representing the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon, Rev'd Emma Whittick is among those recognised for distinguished service. The appointments were marked by a special service at The Chapel Royal in St James's Palace as part of the celebrations of St David, the Patron Saint of Wales.

Honorary King's Chaplains have traditionally been appointed for the Church of England and the Church of Scotland, but can also include other denominations. This is the first time clerics of the Church in Wales have been appointed.

Emma is Minor Canon at Brecon Cathedral, and Bishop's Chaplain. Emma grew up in Didcot and came to faith during her undergraduate time in Aberystwyth. Since ordination, she has served both in Ministry Areas and as Chaplain to the University of Wales at Lampeter and Carmarthen. Emma is the current Chaplain to Bishop John.

"I'm deeply honoured to be appointed to this role. I look forward to serving alongside the other Royal Chaplains and the Dean of the Royal Chaplaincy while continuing to hold the Sovereign and his family in my personal and public prayers."

The Dean of the new Royal Chaplaincy for Wales, which is part of the Ecclesiastical Household of The Royal Household, is the Bishop of St Davids, the Rt Rev'd Dorrien Davies. St Davids Cathedral has historic links with the Royal Family through the Tudor dynasty. It is unique among cathedrals in that since the Reformation the Sovereign has held the stall of the First Canon Cursal, which is among the stalls, or seats, of the Cathedral Chapter members in the Quire.

The Chaplains were appointed by His Majesty The King in consultation with each of the six Welsh dioceses. Each Chaplain will be invited to preach in a Chapel Royal during their term and will wear a distinctive scarlet cassock and a badge bearing the Royal Cypher.