ANTI-MONARCHY protesters were in Cardiff for the King's visit, booing and holding signs reading "citizen not subject" and "democracy now".
"Abolish the Monarchy" signs could also be seen, while giant Owain Glyndwr flags were held aloft by some demonstrators. One man held up a placard saying: “End Prince of Wales title”.
Despite intending to be a silent protest by a number of groups under the banner Real Democracy Now, the rally also at times broke into song led by members of the Cor Cochion, a socialist choir based in Cardiff.
During the visit, demonstrators were also filmed booing the new King as he and Camilla's car drove by.
Some members of the crowd can be heard booing as King Charles and the Queen Consort arrive at Cardiff Castle. Follow live updates here: https://t.co/zri53jSvDB pic.twitter.com/s0Y7OuVG2Z
— ITV Wales News (@ITVWales) September 16, 2022
It comes after controversy over the arrests of anti-monarchy demonstrators around the UK since King Charles's proclamation at the weekend.
Former Plaid Cymru MS Bethan Sayed was among those protesting in the city on Friday.
Speaking ahead of the protest, Sayed said: “As soon as King Charles III decided to announce that Prince William should become Prince of Wales, so soon after the death of the Queen, many of us felt compelled to respond.
“We must discuss the future of Wales, and what we want that to look like.
“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.”
This week, a petition calling for an end to the Prince of Wales title has gathered more than 25,000 signatures.
Leader of pro-independence party Plaid Cymru, Adam Price, has said a debate on the subject should be held “in due course”.
The party believe that in an independent Wales, people should have the right to vote on whether or not to keep a member of the royal family as head of state.
The group of protesters, which included trade unions, Welsh independence organisations and republicans, were in the minority in the Welsh city, as hundreds of people were outside the Senedd to cheer as Charles and Camilla arrived, with many waving Wales flags.
Children were chanting "we want the King!" ahead of their arrival.
It is Charles's first visit to Wales as King. While there, he is attending a service of prayer and reflection for the life of the Queen.
Anti-monarchist protesters have shown up outside Cardiff Castle in Wales calling for Welsh independence. Thousands also lined up to show support for #KingCharleslll and to remember #QueenElizabethII pic.twitter.com/CH2h7ZH1NW
— John Vennavally-Rao (@jvrCTV) September 16, 2022
He arrived by helicopter with the Queen Consort and then travelled by state limousine in bright sunshine to the service at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff – the final stop in his tour of the four home nations.
Among the congregation were Prime Minister Liz Truss and leading figures from Wales including First Minister Mark Drakeford and Robert Buckland, Secretary of State for Wales.
Later while addressing the Senedd in Cardiff, the King said: “I am deeply grateful for the words of condolence which so movingly paid tribute to our late sovereign, my beloved mother The Queen.”
First Minister Mark Drakeford stood to propose the Motion of Condolence in English and Welsh, and the King then stood to reply in both languages.
The motion, which was agreed at a session of the Senedd held last Sunday, said: “That this Senedd expresses its deep sadness at the death of Her Majesty The Queen and offers its sincere condolences to His Majesty The King and other members of the royal family.
“We recognise Her Majesty’s enduring commitment to public service and duty, including her support for many Welsh charities and organisations, and her lifelong association with Wales and its people.”
The session was closed by the Llywdd Elin Jones, who then escorted Charles and Camilla to the courtyard area where they viewed condolence messages and met 12 members of the Welsh Youth Parliament.
