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Adam Price and Mark Drakeford clashed on whether Wales should have say on Prince of Wales title

25 Sep 2022 4 minute read
Adam Price picture by Plaid Cymru. First Minister Mark Drakeford AM. Mark Hawkins / Alamy Stock Photo.

Adam Price and Mark Drakeford disagreed on whether the Senedd and Welsh Government should have a say on the Prince of Wales title in the aftermath of the Queen’s death.

Correspondence between them in the days after King Charles III announced that Prince William would succeed him as the Prince of Wales shows that Mark Drakeford argued that it was up to the Royal Family to decide.

In a letter dated 12 September Adam Price calls for “a debate and vote in the Senedd, enabling us to reach a clear position” on the Prince of Wales title.

“Furthermore, I am sure you will agree that in order for the national discussion to bear the gravitas and importance it merits, it should culminate in a debate and vote in the Senedd, enabling us to reach a clear position,” he said.

In a reply on 16 September, the day of the King’s visit to Wales, Mark Drakeford responds to say that he sees “no immediate role for the Welsh Government along the lines you suggest”.

“In the fullness of time, it will be a matter for the Palace to determine how they wish to develop a discussion on the future,” he says.

“And, in the light of the Queen’s death, it seems very reasonable that they should be allowed time and space to do this.”

‘Key role’

Plaid Cymru Leader Adam Price MS told Nation.Cymru that he “respectfully disagrees” with the First Minister when he says that “it is a matter for the Palace to determine how they wish to develop a discussion on any future investiture and the title of the Prince of Wales”.

“Wales is a modern democratic country. Decisions about Wales should be made in Wales by the people of Wales and through their elected representatives. This is no different.

“I do not personally believe that there is a need for the role of a royal “Prince of Wales” in a modern, democratic Wales, nor do I believe, given the exacerbating cost of living crisis, the historical sensitives, that an investiture would be appropriate or acceptable.

“However, others will have differing views. It’s imperative that we as a nation have a meaningful, inclusive, and respectful discussion around the title and any subsequent investiture.

“The Welsh Government has a key role in leading that conversation, as does the Senedd as our principal democratic body elected to represent the views of the people of Wales. That national discussion should culminate in a debate and vote in the Senedd, enabling us to reach a clear position as a nation.”

Adam Price’s letter

Annwyl Mark,

I welcome your remarks this morning that there should be a national discussion ahead of any investiture ceremony following the announcement by King Charles III that there will be a new Prince of Wales.

As a democrat, I know that you will be eager for this debate to not only be as inclusive as possible but also wide-ranging in scope so that Wales can have a truly meaningful discussion surrounding the ‘Prince of Wales’ title and its status (if any) as part of our constitution.

The Welsh Government clearly has a key role in leading that conversation, as does the Senedd as our principal democratic body elected to represent the views of the people of Wales.

Furthermore, I am sure you will agree that in order for the national discussion to bear the gravitas and importance it merits, it should culminate in a debate and vote in the Senedd, enabling us to reach a clear position.

I look forward to hearing your views in greater detail and hope we can work together to spark this important national conversation in due time.

Mark Drakeford’s reply

Annwyl Adam,

Thank you for your letter of 12 September.

I see no immediate role for the Welsh Government along the lines you suggest. In interviews, I have noted that there will very likely be, in due course, public discussion on the role of the Prince of Wales in this new period.

Now is plainly not the time for such a discussion; respect demands that the formal period of mourning should be allowed to conclude.

In the fullness of time, it will be a matter for the Palace to determine how they wish to develop a discussion on the future and, in the light of the Queen’s death, it seems very reasonable that they should be allowed time and space to do this.


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Richard 1
Richard 1
1 year ago

For respect, decency and diplomacy, full marks to both party leaders. No marks to the king.

I Humphrys
I Humphrys
1 year ago

Don’t know about “modern” or “democratic”, look to the Nordic countries which are way more “modern and democratic” than Cymru, yet retain an attractive and popular royalty.
We have a chance for a similar “Prince of Wales” who comes as a couple with wife and kids, which is kind of “modern”. We could have a referendum to confirm such? If the people say no, then we should go for a republic.

G.Bevan
G.Bevan
1 year ago
Reply to  I Humphrys

The Nordic countries are split. Three, Norway, Denmark and Sweden are monarchies with the other two Finland and Iceland being republics.

Y Cymro
Y Cymro
1 year ago

I agree with everything Adam Price says. Also would Mark Drakeford be happy if old Charles had the ability to dissolve devolution in Wales without a vote? One Henry III did similar with the Act of Union Wales 1535-1543. See If Charles can impose a Prince on Wales without consultation can equally do that undemocratic act. They have a history of imposition remember. Royalists often say the monarch has no real power and is merely a figurehead. But this is a barefaced lie. The late Queen not only abused her power by interferring during the 2014 Scottish independence referendum but… Read more »

Ernie The Smallholder
Ernie The Smallholder
1 year ago
Reply to  Y Cymro

I think it is time to put Mark Drakeford on the spot. As he and Welsh Labour think that the UK can be reformed into a constituted democracy with STV and a federal system. the House of Lords replaced by an assembly with representation of the states of Wales, Scotland and NI and regions of England then it would require a new government at the next UK general election, consisting of the Labour party, Liberal democrat and Green parties at Westminster with a clear majority of MPs and in the 4 countries. If you are so confident of obtaining this… Read more »

The original mark
The original mark
1 year ago

According to an article by Adrian Masters of ITV, Drakeford is a republican leading a republican leaning government, and Starmer is willing to defer matters to Drakeford. I just can’t be bothered anymore.

Y Cymro
Y Cymro
1 year ago

Adrian Masters is talking rubbish as usual. Mark Drakeford republican leaning and Starmer willing to defer matters to our First Minister lol.

Firstly Drakeford is a subservient Unionist and Keir Starmer has a blind spot when it comes to Wales & Welsh devolution. Just look how many times Wales featured in Labour last in 2021 conference speech. Out of a 7000 worded opus only once Wales was mentioned.

Last edited 1 year ago by Y Cymro
The original mark
The original mark
1 year ago
Reply to  Y Cymro

Exactly, but unfortunately this is what the voting public listen to.

Steve Duggan
Steve Duggan
1 year ago

Ok Drakeford, now the mourning is over – it is time for Cymru, through the Senedd, to have its say. If it doesn’t nothing will happen. The Senedd must voice it’s disapproval loud and clear. Why not create an unofficial referendum on the issue? Though I fear the only way we will stop this humiliation is when we gain independence. So the quicker we gain it – the better!

Last edited 1 year ago by Steve Duggan
ROGER BRACE
ROGER BRACE
1 year ago

Am I correct in assuming that both MD and AP are republicans and atheists? If so, what were they doing at the Abbey last week? Hypocrisy?

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