Prince William, Kate Middleton Losing Wales Titles? Welsh Leader Speaks Up
Prince William and Kate Middleton's Wales titles are at risk amid the nation's goal for independence.
Plaid Cymru's new leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth, spoke about the ties of the Welsh people to the monarchy as they seek to end its dependency on Westminster. If Wales becomes independent, it will have the choice to either boot the royal family or not. However, the politician leaves the decision about the monarchy's future in Wales to the people.
"It's totally up to the people of Wales," he said, per Express. "That would be a decision for the country. I'm certainly not blind to the fondness that many people have for the royal family."
The data collected by Focaldata in 2019 showed that over 50% of people in many local authorities in Wales supported the royal family. However, in some areas like Cynon Valley, the Rhondda Valley, Caerphilly, Pontypridd, Blaenau Gwent, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney, the ratings were below the 50% mark.
In September 2022, following Queen Elizabeth II's death, King Charles ascended the throne, and the new monarch made his heir, Prince William, the new Prince of Wales, which also made his wife, Kate Middleton, the new Princess of Wales. However, the move raised some eyebrows.
Tristan Gruffyd started an online petition to "End 'Prince of Wales' title out of respect for Wales." He claimed that the last native Prince of Wales was Llywelyn the Last, who was killed by English soldiers in 1282. He was reportedly beheaded, and his head was paraded through the streets of London and placed on a Tower of London spike.
"To this day, the English 'Princes of Wales' have no genuine connection to our country," he explained. "The title remains an insult to Wales and is a symbol of historical oppression. The title implies that Wales is still a principality, undermining Wales' status as a nation and a country. In addition, the title has absolutely no constitutional role for Wales, which is now a devolved country with a national Parliament. Neither the Welsh parliament nor the people of Wales were notified, let alone consulted about this controversial decision."
The future of Prince William and Middleton's Wales titles remains unclear as the Welsh people could still allow the royals to use them if they become independent, or the monarchy could drop them if they want to.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are also at risk of losing their titles after Omid Scobie brought back the royal racism row in his new book "Endgame," and many put the blame on the Sussexes due to speculations that the author serves as their unofficial "mouthpiece."
Conservative MP Bob Seely is working on a new bill that could force the Commons to consider the removal of Prince Harry and Markle's titles. The politician deems racism as the "most poisonously insidious" insult thrown at the monarchy because it leaves a stigma and is "impossible to prove when false."
