The Prince of Wales has no plans for an investiture ceremony, Kensington Palace has confirmed. William made his first visit to the Welsh Parliament on Wednesday since his father, King Charles III, bestowed the title upon him.
During the meeting at the Senedd in Cardiff, William told political leaders that there are no formal plans for an investiture, which would replicate the 1969 ceremony for Charles at Caernarfon Castle. Kensington Palace stated that an investiture is "not on the table." First Minister Mark Drakeford said it was "easy to see" why a different approach was being taken "during tough times."
The visit included a tour of the Senedd building and meetings with party leaders from Welsh Labour, the Welsh Conservatives, Plaid Cymru, and the Welsh Liberal Democrats. William also met with the Welsh Youth Parliament. The palace said the visit aimed to "deepen his understanding of the issues and opportunities of greatest importance to the Welsh people."
William addressed the controversy over his support for England's football team during the World Cup, saying he is supporting both England and Wales. "I've supported England since I've been quite small, but I support Welsh rugby," he said, adding that he must "play carefully with my affiliations." The comments followed criticism from Welsh actor Michael Sheen and Plaid Cymru MS Rhun ap Iorwerth.
The decision not to hold an investiture contrasts with the 1969 event, which attracted a large TV audience but also faced protests and polarised opinion in Wales. Drakeford noted that using 1969 as a "template for Wales in 2022 would not be a reliable guide."
