Mark Drakeford has said that there is a "legitimate" debate to be had around the Prince of Wales title.
Speaking to Ben Shephard and Kate Garraway on Good Morning Britain ahead of King Charles' visit to Cardiff, the First Minister was asked about his views on the role of the Prince of Wales and monarchy in general.
Ben Shephard asked Mr Drakeford: "The is ground swell behind the idea that the Prince of Wales as a title shouldn't be passed on to Prince William, I wonder what your thoughts are on that?"
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The First Minister replied: "Well, there is a legitimate debate here in Wales around that whole issue. My own view is that this is not the week for that debate to surface. This is a week when we are saying farewell to somebody who has been part of our lives for as long as most of us can ever remember. And for me, that's the issue that we should be focusing on today. There is a debate, it's a legitimate debate, and there'll be time to have it after this week is over."
He was then asked by Kate Garraway: "The new Prince of Wales is somebody that has lived in Wales, haven't they? They have as a couple, the Prince and Princess of Wales, would you like him to move back there, be based there? Do you know if he's learned the language? Would that be something that you would welcome and others?"
Mark Drakeford, who is a Welsh speaker himself said: "Well, the language is a very important part of our life here in Wales. It's spoken every day by thousands and thousands, nobody will expect miracles, nobody will expect somebody to become instantly fluent in a new language. But I'm quite sure that the new Prince of Wales will both understand the importance of the Welsh language, and will want to make sure that his relationship with it is a respectful one, and one that grasps that sense of significance."
He was then challenged over his republican views. Garraway asked: "Of course, you are a Republican, aren't you? And you very elegantly said that it's not something that you would be shouting about out of respect for the Queen, and I imagine all those that have grieved for her passing. But how comfortable do you feel really, with everything with the pageantry, the accession the money, as a republican? What is your feelings?"
The First Minister responded: "Well, it's very important for me to say that the job I do, and I do it today, and I do it every day, is to do my best to reflect the views and preferences of the people of Wales. That's the job of the First Minister, I do have my own views. I've had them for 60 years on this topic. But I set those views aside, because that's not my focus today. The bulk of opinion here in Wales, will want to demonstrate a huge sense of respect and indeed affection for the late Queen Elizabeth. And that's where our thoughts and our focus will be during what is a very important day for Wales."
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