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Michael Sheen explains criticism of Prince William after Three Lions send-off: ‘It’s not about supporting England or Wales’-Louise Griffin-Entertainment – Metro
‘The title Prince of Wales seems inappropriate to be held by anyone not Welsh and this is just an instance of the absurdity.’
Michael Sheen has clarified his comments (Picture: Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)
Michael Sheen has explained his criticism of Prince William after the royal gave the England football team a send-off to the World Cup.
The Good Omens actor has clarified that the issue isn’t whether William supports England or Wales but that, in his view, it’s ‘inappropriate’ for the title Prince of Wales to be held by anyone who’s not Welsh.
Responding to a tweet from the Jeremy Vine Show on BBC Radio 2, inviting debate about the topic, Michael said: ‘I didn’t say it’s insensitive to leave out the Welsh team.
‘For those who care the issue is that the title Prince of Wales seems inappropriate to be held by anyone not Welsh and this is just an instance of the absurdity. It’s not about supporting England or Wales or both.
‘The title PoW was first given to the heir to the English throne by his father the King as a sign of dominance over a defeated Welsh people. The ‘tradition’ can be continued or not on the whim of whoever inherits the throne. Many Welsh people feel it should be ended.
‘It’s entwined with so much of our history and how many of our present day challenges have evolved since then that it can be for many an issue that holds much more than just it’s surface meaning.’
Prince William, who was given the title Prince of Wales by his father when he became King, presented the England team with their tournament squad numbers before they flew to Qatar for the World Cup.
He told them: ‘I’m really here to point out that the rest of the country is behind you, we’re all rooting for you, enjoy it.’
Welsh native Michael, 53, tweeted the video, saying: ‘He can, of course, support whoever he likes and as Pres of FA his role makes visit understandable – but surely he sees holding the title Prince of Wales at same time is entirely inappropriate?
‘Not a shred of embarrassment? Or sensitivity to the problem here? #PrinceofWales.’
William, 40, later addressed the criticism, saying: ‘I’m telling everyone I’m supporting both, definitely. I can’t lose.
‘I’ve supported England since I’ve been quite small, but I support Welsh rugby and that’s my kind of way of doing it. I happily support Wales over England in the rugby.
‘I’ve got to be able to play carefully with my affiliations because I worry otherwise if I suddenly drop England to support Wales then that doesn’t look right for the sport either. So I can’t do that.’
The Three Lions were seen leaving their training ground and and boarding a plane to the Middle East, ready for their match with Iran on Monday which will kick off the tournament for them.
The Welsh team are also headed to Qatar and will play England on November 29.
When he was made Prince of Wales, William met with Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford, with a statement reading: ‘The Prince acknowledged his and the Princess’s deep affection for Wales, having made their first family home in Anglesey including during the earliest months of Prince George’s life.
‘The Prince and Princess will spend the months and years ahead deepening their relationship with communities across Wales. They want to do their part to support the aspirations of the Welsh people and to shine a spotlight on both the challenges and opportunities in front of them.’
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