Prince of Wales?
What do you think of the Royal Family's role in Wales? Do we get a fair deal, or are we short-changed? What are your views on the Prince of Wales and his work? Do you support the monarchy?
Email us or have Your Say.
Beryl of Port Talbot says:
"Princess Gwenllian the last surviving member of Welsh royalty was incarcerated in a nunnery as a baby, therefore unable to get married and produce children. The last of the Welsh royal line. Basically a Prince of Wales does not exist!"
Craig in Swansea says:
"Well there's good news for Welsh independence and identity! We had our own mini election in our school and Plaid Cymru won by miles! And I mean miles! If they keep voting this way, our future votes are gonna be in favour of Plaid Cymru 100%! But I don't think it's because they like their policies, it's because we've now woken up to Welsh identity and what the English have done to us, and still ain't treating us the way we should be treated! Cymru am byth!"
Tom in Cardiff argues against the royal family:
"I have to say I'm dissappointed about the points raised by you people, don't you think Wales would be alot happier without the royal family? Well in my opinion yes because Wales, is known for it's pride and passion as a nation not for the royal family. Since the English has been fully controlling us we have lost our sense of identity, we are Welsh not English so let us rule our selves and get our passion back for our country because at the moment Wales is just another part of England. In the south let us do what the north have done and keep the langauge alive. Let the English keep their family and give Wales back it's identity and independence and our government; Owain Glyndwr led 10,000 men for our country and let those men die in vein because of English thoughts in your head. Remember your Welsh, not English! They can keep their family as long as they have nothing to do with Wales. Diolch yn fawr!"
Beryl in Port Talbot says:
"What Prince of Wales? Not even an offical residence. Neither will we ever have a Princess of Wales!"
Al born and raised in Wales now living in America says:
"I have some points to your comments. To Brandie in Georgia ... and you not thinking that an English Prince would offend us! Then perhaps you should consider the president being replaced by a French national."To some of the others ... As for the royals bringing in tourists and money, the French don't have a royal family yet millions visit France each year. People visit Britain to see Britain, after all, of the millions that visit, how many do you think actually see the royals? And so begs the question, how much do you think they actually contribute. And finally, if they could earn ten times more than Bill Gates, unlike Bill, they'd keep it all to themselves ..."
Pauline in Ares France says:
"I have never agreed with having an English Prince of Wales, the idea is absurd. Give Wales back to the Welsh and strip him of his title, wrongly given by an English monarchy."
Brandie in Georgia, USA says:
"I don't understand why ya'll have to make a huge fuss about the royal family. I mean they are your history and your future. You should respect them for all of their hard work and stop being jealous!"
Bryn from Haverfordwest replies to Charles:
"Charles, you've just defeated your own argument with your last sentence. How can someone who spends 99% of his time outside Wales contribute to Wales? Why should he be associated with us if he never visits, never takes an interest in the country or its people and never spends and doesn't maintain any sort of presence in Wales whatsever? He's the Prince of Wales, yet has vast business interests in Cornwall. Why not transfer some of that to Wales, or at least forge closer links with Welsh businesses and agriculture?"
Charles from Swansea supports the Prince of Wales:
"I like the Prince of Wales. He tries hard to fulfill a duty that is very demanding. "The Royal Family is excessive, but the central figures of the Royal Family (The Queen, the Heir to the Throne etc.) bring in so much money that it's incalculable. "The Prince of Wales makes us a Principality. We are therefore a very dignified little country amongst the elite. Wales doesn't need any more ignoring! The fact is, the Prince gives us a name. "He has tried to learn Welsh and William is learning Welsh, further proving their devotion to us. "Why fix something that is not broke? The Prince of Wales works perfectly fine. Although, maybe a home in his Principality would be nice."
Ashley from Michigan USA says:
"I have a few questions. I realize that royalty is tradition but why keep supporting a family that does not have a real purpose anymore? They do bring in money but don't they cost more to maintain?"
Nathan from Cwmbran argues against our current royal family:
"As far as I'm concerned there has not been a Welsh Prince since Owain Glyndwr. He was only a Prince to start off with because he was made King of free Wales. As for this royal family we have now, they do nothing for Wales. The same for all the English royal families through the ages, even the Twydwrs (Tudors) - they lost their Welsh roots and became English ..."
Bryn from Haverfordwest raises the issue of Prince Charles and the National Botanic Garden:
"Straying into another of the talking points, could you imagine ol' Charlie letting a national botanic gardens based in Cornwall go to the wall? I think not. One press realease from his office doesn't constitute the backing from him that projects as this should receive."
Peter from Cowbridge refers back to a situation at the Rugby World Cup:
"I wonder if in light of recent events some of the contributers would like to reassess how they feel about the good Prince? Reading some of the comments, I bet a few were surprised at the sight of, is it Harry, cheering when Wales were being Wilkinsoned out of the World Cup."
Geoff Waterton has this to say about the Prince of Wales:
"Unfortunately, I do not think much of the above person. His position is constitutional, and furthermore he is heir to the throne. His role is to be a figure head, but I think that his personality does not fit in with that position. He should be prepared to bring about a constitutional crisis whenever he thinks the situation warrants it, actually."
Peter relies to Bryn:
"Thanks Bryn. Just to expand on your comparison between the royals and the armed forces, how about this. Some people may view them as one unnecessary evil and one necessary. If you made further comparisons, say with heath/education/police services I doubt if you get none but the challenged who would vote for the monarchy. As things stand at the moment we don't have to chose as we have them all."The bit that annoys me is the money that goes on the royals that could be used to add to the quality of the services, that would be a great benefit to all but the current rich. If there was any left over, use it to renovate the historic buildings currently featured on tv. That way we could have better services and to my mind, a greater bait to attract the tourists. Scrap the family and their foxhunting friends. People only want to keep them, to make up their own feelings of inadequacy, a bit like a sun reader who votes conservative."
Bryn agress with Peter and questions "anachronistic" land ownership:
"Well said, Peter. They have enough money, land, investments, art, buildings etc that they could entirely fund themselves. It's entirely anachonristic that Charles should own so much of Cornwall, for example. If tax payers had the ability to nominate that their money didn't go to certain areas, I wager more would say don't give my money to the royals than would say don't use it to pay for military hardware, for example."
Russ replies to what Peter said:
"Peter, can I ask that you stop judging me incorrectly just for a few seconds and actually read my points - I am not a fan of the royals, I would go as far as saying I'm not even a royalist - yes they'd probably turn their noises up at you or I which would annoy the hell out of me. But if they are bringing in money and tourists to the UK whilst (intentionally or not) giving Wales publicity then that cannot be a bad thing. Yes they cost a lot of money to maintain but as I said, I believe this to be dwarfed by the revenue they create."
Edward has this to say to Peter:
"I think Peter rather missed my point. I'm not saying we should dissolve parliament completely - just the one we got. If there's anyone in power paying no attention to anyone at present, it's 'President Blair' and his cronies. The Royals can't actually do much to anyone anymore. It's only our marvelous government that's doing any kind of job in the oppressing front, simply by paying no attention to it's public.
"I may not care overly for the people that are part of the institution of monarchy, but the only replacement we'll get is a president who will no doubt be engineered into position by the 'Great Blair' himself, and I don't think that's all the great a thing either. To be honest, I'd love to see the Welsh make a go of complete self-governance themselves, and perhaps they may show up just how inadequate the one in London is! Sorry if I ruffled your feathers Peter."
Peter of Cowbridge says:
"I thought Russ was bad enough but now we have Edward who wants to scrap democracy and criticises a perfectly resonable point of view from Lauren. There is direct oppression and indirect. The royals fall into the latter category. I honestly believe they view us as serfs. I suspect a lot of the pro royal contributers to this forum would be flabbergasted if they could be a fly on the wall during a heavy gin session at Buck House."
Pedr originally from Swansea but now living in Ireland says:
"Fair deal from the royals? Pigs fly as well! Going by history they are holding to something that is so precious to them, and something that they as a family are not entitled to! The title of 'Prince of Wales' - by some 'god given right' Edward the First (Longshanks) had stolen the title from Llewellyn Gruffydd (from the lineage of Welsh Princes from Gwynedd) and passed it on to his son. Thus showing his dominance over a so called 'vermin people', which was the treatment our ancesters received from their likes, and drove them our of towns and villages ... "Likewise throughout the ages this small-minded attitude has been passed through time, even to the German-cum-Greek family here now. There is not a care in the world for Wales, from the royals. We have the oldest language in western Europe, and as a group (the Celtic peoples) the oldest culture in Europe. To them it is just estates and titles that have been passed to them down the track. Why should they care? Because that small minded attitude is still alive here. My point of view is ... we don't need them ... lets keep the culture alive and our language. Living in Ireland here is great, but culture and language-wise it is sad ... and that is what families called 'royals' have done.
David from California says:
"In regard to the royal family, why would one support a family whose major contribution to anything Welsh is a disgusting display of warped morality?"
Edward from Prescot has this to say to Lauren:
"Hi Lauren. Antiquaterd and oppressive system? True the monarchy is an ancient institution but nobody can come up with anything better. Oppressive? The royals haven't been allowed to oppress people for a very long time. The only oppression in this country is from a government that pays no attention to its public. We should be lobbying the Queen to dissolve parliament - not to dissolve the monarchy ..."
Bryn of Haverfordwest replies to Anthony's email:
"Anthony, so you mean only royalty can comment on royalty? Criticism is just as valid, and sometimes even more so, when you step back and comment from a neutral viewpoint. Secondly, I do actually think tourists come here for the castles and the sun set over the Gower; I've never gone to Holland or Spain just because of their royal families."
Anthony of Swanseas supports the royal family:
"Perhaps a lot of you people who have posted your thoughts here should do a bit more research about the royal family. If the family were to receive a percentage of the amount of money that they bring into this country they would be 10 times wealthier than Bill Gates."Do you think that the tourists come here to see run down castles, listen to the accent of the Welsh, watch the sun set over the Gower? We are just a spin off promotion for the tourist industry promoted more by England than our own tourist board. Could you and your family put up with the deep scurtiny that the family do? What do you do to promote Wales? How much revenue do you bring to Wales? When you have achieved as much as the family has perhaps then and only then you could critise on a level par."
Russ from Port Talbot believes Lauren's point needs a correction:
"Hi Lauren - your post highlights a common misconception to most Americans, that there is such a title as "Queen of England". There is no such thing."
Lauren originally from Florida but now living in Ystradgynlais says:
"It was not until I lived in Ireland that I understood Wales was a nation. Most Americans would believe that Wales is merely a region, a misunderstanding that is not aided and perhaps even propogated by 'The Royals'. Just look at the titles these 'Royals' boast: The Queen of England, and the Prince of Wales sets up an immediate hierarchy between the two nations. People looking for reasons to keep an antiquated oppressive system in place should look for better excuses than positive publicity for the whole of Britain. Although I have not lived here all that long, I am sure Wales would be better off without them."
Russ of Port Talbot says:
"John, I did not say it was the royals alone that bring in the tourists, neither did I say that all Americans know who we are thanks to Prince Charles. What I said was more Americans have heard of Wales thanks to Charles and Diana."
John of Aberafan disagrees with what Russ says:
"I do not wish to provoke an arguement or offend, but Russ it is the buildings of the Royals that people visit, if we get rid of the Royals that would not stop the flow of visitors. I believe we should have the Queen ... I have met many Americans having lived there for a few months and many have stayed at my home who never even heard of Wales as a country in its own right until told by me and others, so much for Charles promoting Wales abroad, other countries have a poor insight into Wales as a tourist destination. It was not until Diana came on the scene that things began to alter, so do the Royals really promote the image of Wales abroad? I think not."
Peter of Cowbridge says:
"Russ, I don't think the royals reflect our way of life at all but if I am wrong it's not surprising we are not the most popular nation on this small planet."
Russ of Port Talbot has this to say:
"I'm sorry Peter but I believe your comments to be out of order - I do not view the royals as 'superbeings' at all, and as for my wording of 'Britishness' I am referring to cultural heritage and tradition. Each country within our small planet does things it's own way and the royals reflect ours. This is not meant to be derogatory or hostile to other nations."
Peter from Cowbridge says:
"Don't wish to be antagonistic but when people who obviously like the idea of superbeings, use words like 'Britishness' and 'foreigners' they give a clue as to how they view the world ..."
Russ from Port Talbot has contacted us again:
"Why do tourists come to the UK? For the 'Britishness', as I was told by some Americans once, and a big part of the whole 'Britishness' is the royal family. Ask just about anyone from another country about what the UK means to them and one of the first things they'll tell you is the royal family. If you've ever been around Buckingham Palace then you'll have noticed all the foreigners in the area. The royals simply attract tourists, plain and simple."
Bryn from Haverfordwest has this to say to Russ:
"Russ, can I just ask where you conjure up the money that the royals bring in? Very few tourists are ever going to visit the UK specifically to see the royal family; even less will visit Wales off the back of that. The reality is that the same number of tourists would come if we dumped these freeloaders onto the dole queue. How ever would Prince Andrew be able to play golf on the best courses in the world without his royal title?"
Russ from Port Talbot can't believe what he's read:
"What utter rubbish to be found on this board - I am not a royalist but to say they do little, nothing or even have an adverse affect on the country is complete ignorance. Yes, they cost a lot to maintain but the money they bring in dwarves this. They are part of the UK's image and heritage and are to be kept at all costs. As for Wales, many countries (particularly USA) would not have heard of us if it was not for Charles and/or Diana."
Peter from Cowbridge has this to say:
"Some people need superbeings to adore - religious icons, royalty, presidents etc. They are called 'the masses'. Myself I never got the bug. When I look at what the nation gives to the Queen and cronies I think, how sad, when are the masses going to wake up? And prioritise their spending."
Bryn from Haverfordwest argues against the royal family:
"The argument for having a royal family seems these days to be largely based on the image they project for Britain abroad, and the number of tourists they allegedly bring over here. Let them be funded by the tourist board, in that case - I'd rather my tax be used on doing good ..."
Dennis of Neath has this to say:
"With regard to the royal family I have a certain ambivalence. They no doubt have great value in their tourist pulling power, and they seem to take an interest in all the places they visit both here and abroad. However, I am still disappointed that there is no royal palace or residence here in the principality whose name they covet so much in their royal titles. If Charles, on his marriage had decided to build a home here in Wales, it no doubt would have had been a huge boost to tourism here. They should be embarassed to have to resort to using the royal train to stay overnight in our country. Previously they stayed upon the Royal Yacht Brittania. Maybe one day they'll decide to put down some royal roots here in Wales."
John from Aberafan fully agrees with what Glen from Neath said:
"It took Diana to teach the royals how to win popular support, although since her death Charles has tried to follow in her steps but only at the behest of his mother. The Queen saw the benefits that the family could gain by the attempt to follow where Diana had led, although Charles attempts are a very poor second. The royals think we are not able to see through this rebirth of Charles. She saw that the firm, as she likes her family to be known by her friends, nearly came a cropper at their attitude at the time of Diana's death. That was one of the many mistakes the royals made, they have always underestimated the people. "Charles was a very poor pupil in learning the Welsh language, you only have to listen to him attempt to speak the specially prepared speeches he sometimes gives including a very small portion in Welsh. He hardly ever stays overnight in Wales, his promotion of Wales as a country is non existant. His rush to shake off the dust of Wales is an insult we should all feel ... Charles a true Prince of Wales? I do not think so. God forbid he ever becomes King, we only have to realise why we were given the first Prince to know what the royals think of this title. I am afraid his two sons having come under the influences of the royals without Diana to guide them, will also be just as their father has been in their attitude to the country. They should be supporting the Queen ..."
Maldwyn from Swansea asks:
"Today the royals are all doing their walkabouts for British tourism. How come the "Prince of Wales" has gone to Scotland? If he wants to be regarded as the "Prince of Wales" why isn't he here?"
Glen from Neath isn't convinced that the Royal Family do enough for Wales:
"Does Wales get a fair deal from the royals?
"Wales gets the very occasional token visit whenever the government of the day needs a new project / inward investment to get publicity. What we don't get is patronage / backing during times of crisis (ie - foot and mouth, wholescale job losses in certain areas). Charles will send one of his sons here under duress to learn Welsh - with the full knowledge that he'll never use it again. Diana seemed to be the only one of them with an instinct as to what people want to see and hear from royalty; the rest of them couldn't name more than two Welsh towns / cities between them."
Do you agree with these views, or disagree? Let us know - email us or have Your Say.
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