Prince William will not follow in the footsteps of King Charles as he forgoes this grand tradition

William and Kate, Prince and Princess of Wales's first official engagement since the Queen's passing, took them to Wales. But not everyone was happy to see them.

The first of many

The newly created Prince and Princess of Wales undertook their first official engagement since the Queen's passing. The couple paid a visit to Swansea and Anglesey on Tuesday, 27th September. Well-wishers lined the streets to greet the couple, Wales Online reports.

Prince William was appointed Prince of Wales in King Charles III's first address. However, reports reveal that as formal as the appointment is likely to be.

According to The Mirror, a royal source revealed there were 'no plans for any kind of investiture like the prince's father had.'

King Charles was appointed Prince of Wales at the age of nine. However, he wasn't invested in the role until 1969. In a lavish ceremony at Caernarfon Castle, Queen Elizabeth II presented the then-Prince Charles with the sword, coronet, ring, rod, and mantle associated with the title of Prince of Wales.

A YouGov poll revealed that less than 1/5 of the respondents want to see a similar ceremony. Wales's First Minister Mark Drakeford warned, 'the Wales of 2022 isn't the Wales of 1969.'

However, Prince William and Princess Kate are more focused on building and strengthening their bondwith the people of Wales.

A royal source said the couple 'will approach their new roles in the way they have approached their other work; in their own way.'

A title with a controversial history

However, not everyone is convinced. The debate around the title has increased since the death of Queen Elizabeth. A petition calling for the monarchy to scrap the Prince of Wales title has amassed over 35,000 signatories, Expressreports.

According to the publication, the petition declares that the last Prince of Wales died in the Middle Ages. It also calls the title an 'insult to Wales' and 'a symbol of historic oppression' that 'undermines Wales's status as Nation and Country.'

Indeed, The Mirror notes that the last native Prince of Wales dates back to the 13th century. In 1282, Llewelyn the Last was killed by English soldiers, and his brother Dafydd ap Gruffydd took over as Prince of Wales. Prince of Wales was used instead of king in Wales, making it the highest designation for royalty. However, King Edward I ordered his execution in 1283, effectively ending Welsh independence.

King Edward I then bestowed the title upon his 16-year-old son and heir in 1302, thus beginning the tradition of heir apparent carrying the title Prince of Wales.

Sources used:

- The Mirror: 'Prince William ditches royal tradition by skipping lavish Prince of Wales ceremony'

- Express: 'Petition to scrap Wales title hits huge number as Kate and William visit Anglesey'

- Wales Online: 'Princess of Wales speaks of 'desperate people' and cost-of-living crisis as she and William visit Swansea food bank'

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