A former Welsh Government minister has claimed that King Charles "wasn't happy" about the Second Severn Crossing being named the Prince of Wales Bridge. The bridge was controversially renamed in 2018 to mark the now King's 70th birthday and there was anger at the lack of consultation. This is what our readers thought at the time.
Now, a new book focusing on the King's relationship with Wales quotes comments from Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas who said Charles "really wasn't happy at all." The former Plaid Cymru leader said Charles assured him he knew nothing about the decision and was not consulted about the plan.
In Charles the King and Wales, BBC Wales journalist Huw Thomas quotes Lord Elis-Thomas as saying: "It was during that visit (to Tretower Castle) that he turned to me and said: 'I want to tell you one thing, Lord Elis-Thomas. It's about this bridge.'
"'I just want to let you know that I knew nothing about it. That I was not consulted'.
"'Well, they were taking your name in vain, sir,' said I, or something like that. And we laughed. But he really wasn't happy at all."
The then Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns told the book's author he had "tested the water" at the National Eisteddfod in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. Mr Cairns explained he had an informal conversation at the event with Grahame Davies, deputy private secretary to the Prince of Wales, who saw "merit in exploring this." He also said that the Prime Minister of the time Theresa May and the transport secretary were "supportive".
At the time, Mr Cairns said: “I’m delighted to announce that – with the agreement of the Prime Minister and Her Majesty The Queen – the Second Severn Crossing will be renamed the Prince of Wales Bridge.
“The announcement is a fitting tribute to His Royal Highness in a year that sees him mark 60 years as the Prince of Wales and decades of continued dedicated service to our nation. Renaming one of the most iconic landmarks in Wales is a fitting way to formally recognise his commitment and dedication to Wales and the UK as the Prince of Wales."
READ NEXT:
- Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price declines invite to attend the King Charles coronation
-
The protest planned in Cardiff for the day of King Charles' coronation
- Best pictures as William and Kate abseil down Welsh hillside
- Rugby club volunteers have Princess of Wales in stitches
Adorable moment baby steals Kate's £675 designer bag and won't give it back
