Gwynedd Council votes to oppose Prince of Wales title and keep investiture ‘off Welsh soil’

A Welsh council has accepted motions to oppose the Prince of Wales title and to keep any forthcoming investiture of Prince William firmly “off Welsh soil.”

Gwynedd Council showed its anti-monarchy stance during a lively meeting of its cabinet yesterday (Thursday, September 6).

The Blaenau Ffestiniog councillor for Bowydd a Rhiw called for the Prince of Wales title to be abolished after calling the monarchy an “archaic oppressive tradition”.

A notice of motion was called by Councillor Elfed Wyn ab Elwyn under Section 4.20 of the council’s constitution.

He proposed that the “council express its opposition to the continuation of the title of ‘Prince of Wales’ and asks the relevant authorities to consult formally with the people of Wales on the question of whether the title should be abolished or not.”

In a second motion it was proposed “That the council opposes any investiture being held in Gwynedd or anywhere on Welsh soil.

“The days of Wales titled as “a little principality” was abolished in the sixteenth century’s Laws in Wales Act.

“This archaic oppressive tradition is a blight on our nation and has been for centuries.

“It gives the impression that the people of Wales are owned by the system, rather than being free citizens living in our own country.

“It is high time the so-called honorary title, Prince of Wales, was also abolished to the history books.”

He urged councillors to support the motion and for a public discussion over the issue.

He added: “Any decisions of this nature need to be made in Wales, by the people of Wales following a public debate.”

Many councillors leapt to their feet in support.

Cllr Helen Hywel said: “I teach my children we are all equal, so I am proud to support this.”

Cllr Richard Glyn Roberts said: “Monarchy is at the core of not being equal, I support this motion.”

Cllr Rhys Tudor said: “I echo what has been said already here, a principality and a structure of inequality is not in line with my values.

“Many nations have rejected that notion; it is an ancient tradition.”

Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn said: “I can clearly remember 1969 and I was against the investiture. I was banned from school for occupying a room, but I am incredibly proud I did that.

“The monarchy is not important in our aims. I cannot support a monarch.”

Cllr Gareth Jones said: “I was 14 and lived in Penrhosgarnedd when the investiture happened. I went on a farm in Anglesey without a radio or TV so we could escape the circus going on.

“I said then, this must be the final investiture in our lifetime, but here we are, and the nightmare is on us again.

“I am in support; I am a nationalist and agree Gwynedd Council should support the removal of the title of Prince of Wales.

“I am not a supporter of the monarchy, but I do respect views of others, so let’s ask people with a consultation, let’s ask the people of Wales.”

However, Councillor Gwynfor Owen said: “I am unable to vote in favour, I will be abstaining.

“Many people are in favour of independence but are also in favour of the royal family. I am not going to vote I can’t see any point for the motion at this time.

“We should try to achieve independence and worry about this after that.”

The motion was carried with 46 votes in favour, four abstentions and four against.

Prince William inherited the title of Prince of Wales, and his wife the Princess of Wales, after the Queen died and Prince Charles becomes King.

Prince Charles’s investiture was held at Caernarfon Castle in 1969.

By Dale Spridgeon – Local Democracy Reporter