Nationalist North Wales council refuses to accept William as the ‘archaic, oppressive’ Prince of Wales and says investiture ceremony should not be held on Welsh soil

• Plaid Cymru-led Gwynedd Council refusing to accept William as Prince of Wales
• Meeting took place in same council chamber Charles had his investiture in 1969
• But unhappy councillors hit back as one described the ceremony as a ‘circus’
• Motion calling for a referendum on Prince of Wales title passed 46 votes to four
• Comes after Kate, Princess of Wales, was heckled on the Northern Ireland trip

A nationalist North Wales council is refusing to accept William as the ‘archaic, oppressive’ Prince of Wales.

The Plaid Cymru-led Gwynedd Council in Wales also voted that any investiture of William should be kept ‘off Welsh soil’.

The passionate meeting took place at the council chamber in Caernarfon – the town where Charles celebrated his much-feted investiture at the historic castle.

But instead of reflecting on the town’s royal history with pride, one councillor described the 1969 ceremony as ‘a circus’ adding ‘this nightmare is on us again’.

The meeting called for a referendum on whether the status of ‘Prince of Wales’ should be abolished – with only Welsh people eligible to vote.

The motion, which passed on 46 votes to four, said: ‘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.’

A second motion, which also passed, stated: ‘That the Council opposes any investiture being held in Gwynedd or anywhere on Welsh soil.’

MailOnline has contacted Gwynedd Council to find out whether it has the power to abolish the Prince of Wales title. 

A nationalist North Wales Council is refusing to accept William (pictured with Kate during their Northern Ireland trip) as the ‘archaic, oppressive’ Prince of Wales

The passionate meeting took place at the council chamber in Caernarfon, the town where Charles celebrated his investiture at the historic castle (pictured)

It comes the day after Kate, Princess of Wales, was heckled by a woman told her ‘Ireland belongs to the Irish’ during the meet and greet in Northern Ireland.

While shaking hands with the princess, the woman said: ‘Nice to meet you but it would be better if it was when you were in your own country.’ 

Councillor Elfed Wyn ab Elwyn made the anti-monarchy proposal, saying: ‘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.

‘Any decisions of this nature need to be made in Wales, by the people of Wales following a public debate.’

One councillor described the 1969 ceremony as ‘a circus’ adding ‘this nightmare is on us again’

Other councillors voiced their strong support for the motion at the meeting in Caernarfon, where Charles’ investiture took place at the nearby castle.

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. It is an ancient tradition.’

Cllr Gareth Jones said that as a 14-year-old in 1969 he escaped to a farm with no TV or radio so he could ‘escape the circus going on.’

He added: ‘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.’

One councillor said: ‘It is high time the so called honorary title, Prince of Wales, was also abolished to the history books.’

Cllr Jina Gwyrfai said: ‘I think we must convey a clear message that the people of Wales have a choice. It is nothing short of a dictatorship. We are on our way to independence.’

Meanwhile, Craig ab Iago said: ‘If we had a blank page as to what type of person we want to lead us, would it be a billionaire from England, who doesn’t know anything about our language, or living or health services, education, or transport we use? One who does not support our football and rugby teams?

‘In my opinion and everybody else’s the title as it stands has been created just to humiliate Wales and remember who our masters are, that we are not independent and we are not going to be while we support the Prince of Wales, and it will always be the case.’

But councillor Gwynfor Owen had an alternative view. Hesaid: ‘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 46 in favour, four abstentions and four against.

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