Anti-monarchist protests to salute the king in Wales

The protest against the monarchy is expected to take place on Friday during the first visit of King Charles III. in Wales after taking the throne.

The silent demonstration will start at 1pm at Cardiff Castle, organizers said.

The castle is one of three locations Charles will visit during his one-day tour of the capital, where he will meet with charities and faith leaders after a private audience with First Minister Mark Drakeford.

Those attending the rally are expected to stand and hold signs with slogans such as “Why the monarchy?” and “Real Democracy Now”.

Activists say they want the Welsh public to consider whether a future without the monarchy is possible.

They have called on the Welsh Government and Cardiff Council to demand South Wales Police respect their democratic right to protest following arrests and threats of action against people who held up “Not My King” signs in other cities.

Activist and former Member of the Senedd for Plaid Cymru Bethan Sayed said: “As soon as King Charles III decided to announce that Prince William should become Prince of Wales so soon after the Queen’s death, many of us felt compelled to respond.

“We need to talk about the future of Wales and what we want it to look like.

“People are telling us that now is not the time to discuss this issue, but when the monarchy is about to pass from the current king to a new king, now is the right time to discuss this issue.

“It’s about fairness, equality and the Wales we want to shape for future generations.”

Ms Sayed added: “It’s still a difficult time and we fully appreciate that. We all have family who have passed away.

“Therefore, we have no intention of causing trouble, but we want our rights to express a different view to be respected.

“Because it’s perfectly legitimate if we actually call ourselves a democracy.”

Trade unions, Welsh independence organizations and republicans among the protesters

A number of groups are coming together to lead the protest under the banner of Real Democracy Now, including trade unions, Welsh independence organizations and republicans.

However, Ms Sayed said everyone was welcome, including those who wanted to protest against imperialism.

Adam Johannes, a left-wing campaigner and recent organizer of the recent cost-of-living protests in Cardiff, said: “My own mother died not too long ago, so I really feel for the family in their personal grief.

“But when we have these parades, these huge public events, they are in a way political acts.

“And yet one side of the debate is being told ‘now is not the time’, while all sorts of things are being rushed forward, such as the announcement that Prince William will be the new Prince of Wales.

“So when there are these events that we feel are almost public relations events to ensure support for the monarchy, we think it’s legitimate that our voice be heard as well.”

A Labor spokesman for the Welsh Independent said: “Soon 67% of Welsh people will be living in fuel poverty while the royals inherit millions tax-free.

“Our democracy is weakened by their presence, and ultimately we strive for an independent, socialist republic of Wales.”

Trade unionist Cerith Griffiths said: “A lot has changed since Queen Elizabeth was crowned more than 70 years ago.

“It is important that Wales now has its own parliament and can pass legislation that makes a difference to those living in Wales.

“In 2016, several aspects of the Trade Union Act were rendered unusable in Wales and now the Government in Westminster is overturning these decisions made by the elected Welsh Government.

“If we truly value democracy then we need to debate the role of the monarchy and whether allowing another country’s government to override democratic decisions made here in Wales is really fit for the 21st century.”

Petition to end Prince of Wales title reaches 25,000 signatures

A petition calling for the Prince of Wales’ title to be abolished has gathered more than 25,000 signatures in less than a week.

Plaid Cymru independence leader Adam Price said the debate on the issue needed to be held “at the right time”.

The party believes the people of an independent Wales should have the right to vote on whether or not to keep a member of the royal family as head of state.

A petition against continuing the title of Prince of Wales has reached 25,000 signatures less than a week after it was launched.

Plaid Cymru Independence Party It will eventually be time for a public debate on the title of Prince of Wales.

Meanwhile, the royal’s decision to name his son William the Prince of Wales in his first speech as king last Friday came as a surprise to many.

A petition calling for the title to be removed out of “respect” for the Welsh people has since gathered more than 25,000 signatures.

The site quoted Welsh actor Michael Sheen, who returned his OBE in 2017, saying of the title: “Not necessarily just out of habit and without thinking just continue this tradition that started as a humiliation for our country.

“Why not change that when we get to that moment when things will inevitably change?”

In a statement after the announcement, the new Prince and Princess of Wales spoke of their “deep affection” for Wales, having made Anglesey their first family home.

They promised to perform the role with “modesty and great respect”.