Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, has come under fire for his inability to speak Welsh, despite knowing he would eventually inherit the title of Prince of Wales. The criticism comes after a recent visit to Wales where the 42-year-old Prince released a video of himself speaking the local language on St David’s Day. His father, Prince Charles, also studied Welsh when he held the title of Prince of Wales before becoming King.
Russell Myers, the Royal Editor for the Daily Mirror, expressed his disappointment in Prince William’s Welsh-speaking abilities during an episode of the Mirror’s Pod Save The King podcast. Myers labelled the Prince’s command of Welsh as “ludicrous” and criticised him for not taking the initiative to learn the language, even though it is considered an important aspect of his future role. Myers highlighted that Prince Charles has taken Welsh lessons and is conversant in the language along with being fluent in French and German.
Dr. Dylan Foster Evans, the head of the School of Welsh, also weighed in on Prince William’s language skills, remarking that his delivery in the video was “halting.” While acknowledging that Welsh is not widely spoken across Wales, Dr. Evans suggested that Prince William should make a more concerted effort to practise and improve his pronunciation to become more proficient in the language. He emphasised that using Welsh in real-life scenarios with native speakers would benefit the Prince in grasping the language more effectively.
Despite the criticisms, Dr. Evans also acknowledged the challenges of speaking Welsh for individuals who are not native Welsh speakers. He pointed out that most people in Wales do not speak Welsh on a day-to-day basis, which may present obstacles for Prince William in becoming fluent. Additionally, he noted that broadcasting in a second language can be demanding, especially for someone in a prominent position like Prince William.
The debate around Prince William’s Welsh-speaking abilities has sparked a conversation about the expectations placed on members of the royal family to be proficient in regional languages. While some experts believe that Prince William should dedicate more time to learning Welsh, others recognise the complexities and challenges associated with becoming fluent in a language that is not widely spoken in daily life in Wales. The issue raises questions about the cultural significance of language and the responsibilities of public figures in preserving and promoting linguistic heritage.
As Prince William navigates his royal responsibilities and public engagements, the discussion surrounding his Welsh language skills underscores the complexities of blending tradition with modern expectations. The scrutiny on his linguistic abilities highlights the multifaceted nature of royal duties and the evolving roles of the monarchy in embracing cultural diversity and inclusivity. Whether Prince William will heed the calls to improve his Welsh proficiency remains to be seen, but the debate serves as a reminder of the ongoing dialogue about the royal family’s role in preserving and honouring traditional languages and heritage.