Prince William, accompanied by his wife Kate, made his first trip to Wales on Tuesday since assuming the title of Prince of Wales, previously held by his father, who became King Charles III.
This first trip comes at the end of the mourning observed by the royal family until Monday night following the death of Elizabeth II on September 8 at the age of 96. He has come under scrutiny in the British media as the passing of the title to William has reignited resentment in Wales, where some believe the title of Prince of Wales should be bestowed on a Welshman, which has not been the case since 1282.
In three weeks, more than 35,000 people have signed a petition to remove the title which they say is “an insult to Wales and a symbol of historical oppression”.
investiture ceremony
There were also questions about the Crown’s desire to hold an investiture ceremony for William as grandiose as the one arranged for his father in 1969.
But the heir to the throne “doesn’t have any kind of plans” to do so, British media said on Tuesday, adding that he would prefer to focus on boosting the confidence of the people of Wales.
Charles’s investiture at Caernarfon Castle had given rise to a majestic ceremony, broadcast on television and followed by millions of people, during which Queen Elizabeth II had placed a crown on his head.
Charles had then sworn allegiance to his mother, declaring: “I Charles, Prince of Wales, become your vassal, in life and in death.”
While the now-King Charles III had spent time at university learning Welsh before being invested, Prince William lived for a time on the island of Anglesey in north-west Wales during his service as a helicopter pilot with the Royal AirForce.
heartwarming welcome
William and Kate, however, were warmly greeted by a large crowd when they arrived on the island on Tuesday.
“Diolch (thank you in Welsh) Anglesey! So welcome, good to be back,” the couple rejoiced in a message posted on their Twitter account.
Kate, aware of the legacy associated with this title, brought before her by the British-spoiled Princess Diana, hopes to create “her own path” in her new role, a source within the royal family told British media when she received it. . .
Source: BFM TV
