Townspeople will gather to mark Owain Glyndŵr Day, a celebration of the life and legacy of the last Welshman to become known as the Prince of Wales, the title Charles gave William in his first speech as king. “There will be folk music, some drinks, some food,” said Huw Morgan, one of the organisers. “I think it will be packed.” Certainly, the event will be more heated than usual, with Charles’ announcement that William would become Prince of Wales – Tywysog Cymru – going down badly with many nationalists and republicans. By Wednesday, almost 25,000 people had signed a petition calling for the title to be scrapped and campaigners vowed to protest at the ceremonies in the Welsh capital. Morgan, a professor of astronomy, said: “There are a lot of people like me who are not interested in hearing about the royal family. They’re entitled, they’re rich and they’re supposed to rule Wales.” Morgan has nothing against royals as individuals. “But they are symbols of oppression. The English royal family imposed itself on Wales centuries ago.’ Elwyn Vaughan: “People feel hurt and offended by this sudden announcement.” Photo: Dimitris Legakis/The Guardian Machynlleth, which bills itself as the ancient capital of Wales, is home to Glyndŵr’s senedd-dŷ (parliament building), where the 15th-century Welsh leader is said to have held an assembly after being crowned prince as he fought the English for an independent Wales . Gail Jenkins, who runs Caffi Alys next to Parliament, said many people were upset by the rashness of Charles’ decision. “He didn’t give us a chance to have our say. It would be a great moment to show unity and not have it forced upon us again.” A local Plaid Cymru councillor, Elwyn Vaughan, said there had been backlash: “People think they’ve been taken for granted.” The last Welsh Prince of Wales: a statuette of Owain Glyndŵr inside the Senedd Dy. Photo: Dimitris Legakis/The Guardian Vaughan said there was a certain warmth to Charles and his environmental thinking at Machynlleth, which for decades was a haven for the eco-conscious, and William, who worked as a search and rescue pilot in north Wales. He said: “People have been reserved, they have tried to show respect to those who really care about the royal family, but they feel hurt and insulted by this sudden announcement. “If we’re supposed to be an island of equals, then show respect. We must respect our neighbours, England, and the establishment there, but they must respect us as Wales, our historical differences, our culture, our language, our world view. Otherwise you create division, hatred and negativity.” Charles’ investiture in 1969 at Caernarfon Castle in north Wales led to protests and years of bitterness for many. Welsh First Minister for Labor Mark Drakeford said this week there had been a “lively” debate around the role and “no rush” to appoint William. But the very idea of any kind of investment infuriates many. Plaid Cymru Westminster leader Liz Saville Roberts said her party did not want this debate now out of respect for those who are grieving. “But a discussion about an investment of the Prince of Wales has been started by the first minister and others. “It should be remembered that, unlike the constitutional role of monarch, Prince of Wales is a purely ceremonial title. It is up to the King to decide what he wants to call his son. An investment, however, funded by public money and involving politicians and diplomats, would give the Prince of Wales a semi-official role as a representative of our nation.” A small portrait in the window of Judith Williams was the only sign of the Queen’s death in Machynlleth High Street. Photo: Dimitris Legakis/The Guardian Laura McAllister, professor of Welsh public policy and governance at Cardiff University, said that if an investment was made it would be much more low-key than in 1969. McAllister said there was “some ambivalence” around the title and role of the Prince of Wales and that people were “slightly taken aback” by the speed of the announcement. “Given, I’m sure, he’s aware of the tension around the title, it seems odd that it was done so hastily.” On the high street in Machynlleth the only sign of the Queen’s death was a framed portrait next to a vase of roses in a shoe window. “I wanted to pay my respects,” said Judith Williams, who created the display. “I know a lot of people here haven’t done anything. We love the royal family and are taking three of the grandchildren to London this weekend. Her death in Scotland seemed to bring the Scots together. We didn’t have that much in Wales. Its a shame.”
