Another set of anti-monarchy protesters emerged on Friday, this time in Cardiff.
King Charles III was visiting the Welsh capital for the first time in his capacity as the new monarch, having been the longest-serving Prince of Wales in UK history.
His son and heir, Prince William, was confirmed as the new Prince of Wales last Friday. However, there’s a body of thought in Wales that this moniker should be abolished – and potentially the monarchy altogether.
Campaigners gathered outside Cardiff Castle waiting for the new King on Friday, and staged a silent demonstration while holding up signs which read: “Citizen not subject,” “Abolish the Monarchy” and “End Prince of Wales title”.
The Prince of Wales title is a particular source of contention in the nation because, since England conquered Wales, it has been granted to an English prince.
Prior to the 12th century, it only went to Welsh figures.
A petition calling for the title to end now has more than 25,000 signatures.
The campaigners asked the Welsh Government and Cardiff council to help protect their democratic right to protest, as police across the country have been cracking down and arresting (sometimes charging) demonstrators campaigning against the monarchy this week.
Activist and former Senedd Member for Plaid Cymru, Bethan Sayed claimed that “many of us felt compelled to respond” after hearing William would be the new Prince of Wales.
“People tell us that now is not the time to discuss this issue, however, when the monarchy passes from the incumbent to a new King, now is exactly the time to discuss this matter.
“It is about fairness, equality and the Wales we want to shape for future generations.”
Pro-independence political party, Plaid Cymru, believe an independent Wales should vote on whether or not to keep a member of the royal family as head of state.
She added: “So we have no intention of causing issues but we want our rights to hold and express a different view to be respected.
“Because that is entirely legitimate if we actually call ourselves a democracy.”
The arrests of anti-monarchy protests has caused great alarm, with critics questioning what this means for freedom of speech in the UK.
Friday’s protests was made up of republicans, trade unions and Welsh independence organisations, all campaigning under the banner of Real Democracy Now.