Why don't the Welsh like the Royal Family?

The relationship between Wales and the Royal Family is textured by a complex tapestry of historical, cultural, and socio-economic threads that reveal a nuanced sentiment that is not uniformly spread across the Welsh populace. The monarchy, an institution deeply woven into the fabric of British history, has often embodied a sense of continuity and tradition. Yet, for many in Wales, this same symbol of stability is also a reminder of historical subjugation and cultural disparity.At the heart of the Welsh sentiment towards the Royal Family lies a historical context that cannot be ignored. For centuries, Wales has navigated its identity within the larger construct of Britain, often finding itself in a tenuous balance between preserving its unique cultural heritage and being subsumed under the shadow of its more dominant neighbor, England. The Act of Union in 1536 is a marked point in history where Wales was formally annexed into England, and since then, the notion of self-governance and autonomy has been a sensitive subject. The Royal Family, as the figurehead of the British state, sometimes becomes an emblem of past grievances, where Welsh identity was overshadowed by a greater British narrative.Language and culture form another critical frontier in the Welsh perception of the monarchy. The Welsh language, once on the brink of fading into obscurity, has seen a resurgence, symbolizing a reclaiming of national identity. Yet, those who hold the language dear often feel that the Royal Family represents an institution that historically did not support the growth and preservation of the Welsh language and culture. The investiture of the Prince of Wales, particularly the ceremony in 1969, is viewed by some as a spectacle that appropriated Welsh symbols without genuine respect for the Welsh identity.Economic factors also play a role in the relationship between Wales and the Royal Family. As a nation that has faced its share of economic challenges, with many areas feeling the pinch of underinvestment and post-industrial decline, the opulence of the monarchy can sometimes strike a discordant note. The perception that the Royal Family receives too much money, as indicated by the Welsh Election Study, adds to the sense of disparity, especially when juxtaposed against the backdrop of austerity and economic hardship faced by many Welsh communities.The generational divide must not be overlooked. Younger generations in Wales, who are more likely to identify as Welsh rather than British, and those who speak Welsh, tend to be more supportive of republicanism. This shift indicates an evolving identity that is questioning the relevance of monarchy in modern Wales. For the young, the concept of hereditary privilege and unelected representation may feel inherently at odds with contemporary democratic values and the meritocratic ideals they’ve been encouraged to embrace.Despite the varying degrees of skepticism and support, it is important to recognize that the sentiment towards the Royal Family in Wales is not monolithic. There are those who still revere the monarchy as a symbol of national unity and cultural continuity. Royal ceremonies and jubilees often evoke a sense of shared history and pageantry that transcend everyday politics. However, the growing calls for a more democratic representation and the questioning of the financial maintenance of the Royal Family suggest that the relationship is being re-evaluated in the context of a modern Wales that seeks to carve out its own identity and destiny within the United Kingdom and beyond.In sum, the sentiment of dislike towards the Royal Family among the Welsh population is the result of a confluence of historical memory, cultural preservation, economic considerations, and generational change. It's a sentiment that is reflective of a nation grappling with its past, redefining its present, and cautiously envisioning its future role within the United Kingdom.