A Historic Moment in St Davids:

Bishop Dorrien Davies to Become Dean of the Royal Chaplaincy for Wales

There are few places in Wales where history, faith and royal connections are woven so closely into the fabric of everyday life as St Davids.

This September, the city will mark another significant moment in its long history when the Right Reverend Dorrien Davies, Lord Bishop of St Davids, is installed as Dean of the Royal Chaplaincy for Wales at St Davids Cathedral.

The service takes place on Tuesday 8 September 2026 at 3pm, during a special service marking Accession Day, bringing together the ancient heritage of St Davids with a new chapter in the relationship between the Church in Wales and the Royal Family.

For visitors staying in St Davids, it is another fascinating example of the history and culture that can be discovered right on the doorstep of Twr y Felin Hotel.

A new Royal Chaplaincy for Wales

Bishop Dorrien Davies was appointed by His Majesty The King as Dean of the newly established Royal Chaplaincy for Wales.

The new Chaplaincy brings together six King’s Honorary Chaplains, representing each of the six dioceses of the Church in Wales. The appointments are particularly significant as they are the first appointments of clerics from the Church in Wales as Honorary King’s Chaplains.

As Dean, Bishop Dorrien Davies will take on a coordinating role within the new Welsh Royal Chaplaincy, helping to bring together the six chaplains in their work.

The installation at St Davids Cathedral is therefore an important occasion not only for the city, but for the Church in Wales as a whole.

A unique royal connection in St Davids Cathedral

The choice of St Davids Cathedral for this historic installation is particularly fitting, given the cathedral’s unique connection with the British monarchy.

Uniquely among British cathedrals, the reigning Sovereign holds the official seat of First Canon Cursal, known as the Sovereign’s Stall, within the cathedral’s choir alongside the members of the Chapter. This historic privilege has been held by the Crown since the early 16th century.

The connection has continued into the modern era. Queen Elizabeth II occupied the Sovereign’s Stall during several historic visits to St Davids, including during her visit in 1982 when she distributed Maundy money, and again in 1995 when she formally granted city status to St Davids.

The Sovereign’s Stall forms part of a remarkable collection of historic choir stalls, with the surrounding woodwork dating from the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Look closely and you will also find intricately carved misericords — the small, flip-up seats beneath the choir stalls. Their carvings feature mythical creatures, moral stories and scenes of medieval humour, offering a fascinating glimpse into the craftsmanship and imagination of the period.

A new chapter in Wales' royal history

Against this remarkable backdrop, Bishop Dorrien Davies’ appointment as the first Dean of the Royal Chaplaincy for Wales marks another important chapter in the relationship between the Crown, Wales and the Church.

Created by King Charles III, the new position forms part of the Sovereign’s Ecclesiastical Household and extends the tradition of royal chaplaincies to Wales for the first time.

Bishop Dorrien, the Bishop of St Davids, has been appointed to lead the new Royal Chaplaincy, which brings together honorary chaplains representing each of Wales’ six dioceses. The new institution recognises the King’s special relationship with Wales while establishing a new presence for Wales within the Sovereign’s Ecclesiastical Household.

He will formally assume the role when he is installed as Dean during a special Accession Day service at the Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew & Saint David in St Davids at 3pm on Tuesday 8 September 2026.

For a city with such an extraordinary royal history, the occasion feels especially significant — bringing together centuries-old traditions and a newly created role at the very heart of St Davids.

Discover the history of St Davids

For guests at Twr y Felin Hotel, St Davids Cathedral is just a short walk away, making it easy to explore one of Pembrokeshire’s most fascinating historic sites during your stay.

But there is much more to discover in and around the city. Wander through the narrow streets of St Davids, explore independent galleries and shops, visit the cathedral and ruins of the Bishop’s Palace, or venture towards the spectacular Pembrokeshire coastline.

The area is where ancient heritage meets contemporary Welsh culture — something that is reflected throughout Twr y Felin Hotel itself.

Stay at Twr y Felin Hotel

Set within a beautifully restored former windmill, Twr y Felin Hotel combines contemporary design, Welsh character and an extensive collection of modern art, creating a unique place to stay in the heart of St Davids.

Its location makes it an ideal base for exploring the city and the surrounding Pembrokeshire Coast. From a morning visit to St Davids Cathedral to an afternoon walking the coastal path, the best of the city is within easy reach.

The installation of Bishop Dorrien Davies as Dean of the Royal Chaplaincy for Wales is another chapter in the remarkable story of St Davids — a city where centuries of history continue to be part of everyday life.

Stay at Twr y Felin Hotel and discover the history, culture and natural beauty of St Davids from our doorstep.