Hundreds Gather to Honour Dafydd Elis-Thomas at Funeral in Cardiff
The city of Cardiff witnessed a sombre occasion as hundreds of mourners paid their respects at the funeral of Dafydd Elis-Thomas, a revered figure known as a ‘nation builder.’ Lord Elis-Thomas was celebrated for his significant contributions to Welsh politics over the past half-century. His extensive career encompassed roles as a Member of Parliament, Assembly Member, House of Lords member, and the inaugural presiding officer of the National Assembly, in addition to serving as President of Plaid Cymru.
The funeral service was held at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff, a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to serving Wales. Following the service, his cortege made a poignant final visit to the Senedd, the Welsh Parliament, a place where he had taken great pride in representing the people of Wales. Staff members lined the steps as Lord Elis-Thomas’ body was solemnly escorted past the parliament building, marking the end of an era in Welsh politics.
Described as a ‘nation builder,’ Lord Elis-Thomas was survived by his wife Mair, sons Rolant, Meilyr and Cai, their mother Elen, and his adoring grandchildren. The funeral was attended by a multitude of dignitaries, including former First Ministers Mark Drakeford and Carwyn Jones, as well as current First Minister Eluned Morgan, who delivered a heartfelt reading during the service. People from various spheres of political life, spanning local councils, the Senedd, Westminster, and the House of Lords, came together to bid farewell to a man who had left an indelible mark on Welsh politics.
Born in Carmarthen in 1946, Lord Elis-Thomas was deeply rooted in Welsh culture and language from a young age. His early involvement in political activism, such as the Parliament for Wales campaign in the 1950s, set the stage for a lifelong commitment to serving his country. His bold stance against the investiture of the Prince of Wales in 1969 underscored his principled beliefs, even as his political alliances evolved over the years.
Throughout his illustrious career, Lord Elis-Thomas navigated the complex landscape of Welsh politics with integrity and passion. His tenure as the youngest MP in the House of Commons at the age of 27 marked the beginning of a distinguished career marked by unwavering dedication to the Welsh people. His later roles as President of Plaid Cymru, Member of the House of Lords, and first Presiding Officer of the National Assembly highlighted his enduring impact on the political landscape of Wales.
In reflecting on Lord Elis-Thomas’ legacy, his friend and biographer, Aled Eurig, captured the essence of a man who was both a political maverick and a devoted patriot. Despite criticism and challenges, Lord Elis-Thomas remained steadfast in his commitment to advancing the interests of Wales, even at personal cost. His departure from Plaid Cymru in 2016 marked a turning point in his political journey, culminating in a period of independent service in the Welsh government that showcased his adaptability and resilience.
As the funeral service drew to a close, mourners were left with a profound sense of loss for a man whose life had been intertwined with the fabric of Welsh politics for decades. Lord Elis-Thomas’ legacy as a ‘nation builder’ and a champion of Welsh culture and language will endure as a testament to his enduring impact on the nation. In the words of Aled Eurig, Lord Elis-Thomas lived a full and well-lived life, leaving behind a rich tapestry of memories and accomplishments that will forever echo in the annals of Welsh history.