Tory politicians have hit back at First Minister Mark Drakeford for his comments about the Prince of Wales' investiture. Conservative MP for Clwyd West and former Welsh secretary David Jones, as well as Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant, have said that Mr Drakeford should not be involved in the discussion around the Royal title and have accused him of "politicising" the investiture.
It comes after King Charles announced his son and heir apparent, Prince William, and his wife Catherine would become the new Prince and Princess of Wales. The announcement has divided opinions however with one senior Welsh politician arguing that the title made no sense for a democratic nation while a petition has called for the role to be dropped.
Following the announcement of the couple taking on the titles Mr Drakeford said that there was a "legitimate" debate to be had around the Prince of Wales title and added there was "no rush" to planning the upcoming investiture. But in the Daily Express Welsh MP Mr Jones described the First Minister’s comments as "deeply inappropriate" and suggested he should not interfere with the "King's business".
Read more: The Prince of Wales, a devolved nation, and what the future should be
He said: "I think it was deeply inappropriate of Drakeford to comment on something which is entirely a matter for the new King, not Drakeford or any other politician for that matter." He also argued that the new Prince and Princess of Wales knew north Wales better than him.
Mr Jones added: "Drakeford suggested they should get to know Wales. Well, I can say as an MP in north Wales, that the new Prince and Princess of Wales know north Wales much better than he does.
"Prince William was based in Anglesey as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot and the couple had a cottage there. They lived there for three years so know this part of Wales very well.
"I think the limits of Wales for Drakeford is Merthyr Tydfil. It's like a Londoner's view of England. He knows very little of north Wales."
Meanwhile Mr Fabricant argued that the Welsh Labour leader was "politicising" the investiture, which is reported to be taking place next year following the King's coronation. The MP, whose constituency is in Staffordshire, said: "This is essentially a matter for the King.
“Frankly I don’t think it is for Mark Drakeford, who politicises everything he touches, to tarnish the Investiture should the King and Prince of Wales decide it should go ahead." The Welsh Government declined to comment.
READ NEXT:
- Petition to end Prince of Wales title collects more than 25,000 signatures
- The title 'Prince of Wales' should disappear, says senior Welsh politician
- Nine things you need to consider when deciding whether to support an independent Wales
- Former Tory minister confirms party deliberately misled people of Wales over EU funding
- How the Prince of Wales' investiture could look amid reports it will be a scaled-back event in Cardiff
