The Prince of Wales has arrived in Wales for a visit to the Senedd and political leaders. It is his second visit to Wales since inheriting the title from his father, following a visit with the Princess of Wales to Anglesey and Swansea at the end of September.
His visit to the home of Welsh devolution will see him meet Welsh political leaders from all parts of the political spectrum and is understood to be planning to express his desire to deepen the trust and respect of the people of Wales over time. He will also reiterate there are no plans for any formal investiture ceremony.
The visit comes amid criticism of the Prince for the words he used while visiting the England football team ahead of their flight to Qatar. The Prince is a longstanding England fan and is President of the Football Association but he told Wales' rivals that the "rest of the country" was behind them.
"I’m really here to point out that the rest of the country is behind you," the Prince told the England players. "We are all rooting for you, enjoy it.”
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Michael Sheen has said that the message was "entirely inappropriate" and questioned why he had not a shred of embarrassment or sensitivity to the controversial nature of his message given his title as Prince of Wales. The Welsh team will play England in the group stage of the World Cup as rivals.
It's understood that the Palace believe it would be disingenuous to expect the Prince, who has been a supporter of the England football team throughout his life, to stop supporting the team now. But that he is delighted and proud of the Welsh team for reaching their first World Cup finals since 1958 and will want to show his support for and celebrate the nation's achievements during the tournament.
What is the Prince doing while in Wales?
Prince William arrived in the Senedd at 10am. He will then meet the Llywydd (presiding officer) Elin Jones who will give him a tour of the building taking in the Oriel and Siambr - this will take 15 mins.
He will then say hello to leaders of the parties then have some private conversations with each. Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price, First Minister Mark Drakeford and Tory leader and leader of the opposition Andrew RT Davies MD will each get 15 mins conversation with the Prince. The lone Liberal Democrat, Jane Dodds MS, will get five minutes.
He will then have chats with members of the Youth Parliament of which the first 3 mins will be observable before it being in private. After meeting the Youth Parliament William will be leaving.
The conversations with Welsh political leaders could be interesting given that both Mark Drakeford and Adam Price are avowed republicans. The death of the Queen has led to passionate conversations about the future of the Prince of Wales role. Some feel it should be abolished with others arguing it should be reformed to reflect the fact Wales has its own parliament and government.
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