Michael Sheen has criticized King Charles III’s decision to visit Wales for the first time since his ascension on Sept. 16, a historical day for the country.
The Welsh-born actor explained on Twitter Friday that royal’s stop in Cardiff, Wales, fell on Owain Glyndŵr day and could be seen as “insensitive” if the date had been chosen on purpose.
Owain Glyndŵr day commemorates the day in 1400 when Glyndŵr began a 15-year uprising against the then-king of England, Henry IV, after which his followers proclaimed him the Prince of Wales.
The revolt is considered by many Welsh people to be the last Welsh war of Independence and Glyndŵr is viewed as a symbol of Welsh nationalism and the independence movement.
“To choose Sept. 16 to come to Wales having only a short time ago proclaimed that he had created his son, William, as the new Prince of Wales and to choose this day Sept. 16 to come here as his first visit as King seems full of meaning,” Sheen explained.
“The Queen” actor, 53, began the video by extending his “sincerest sympathy to Charles and his family on the loss of their mother, grandmother, and to everyone who’s feeling such depth of emotion and a sense of that loss,” before going into a brief history of Wales.
He then went on to say that if the visit was purposefully planned for Sept. 16 it could be viewed as “insensitive to the point of insulting.”
Or, “If it was done without realizing the significance of the date, then one does wonder what being Prince of Wales for so long actually meant if you’re not aware of what that day means.”
Sheen added that he wanted to support those who noted the “irony” of traditional Welsh celebrations being canceled to accommodate King Charles’ visit.
Last week, the newly anointed monarch declared that Prince William, 40, and his wife Kate Middleton, 40, would take on the titles of the new Prince and Princess of Wales.
The royal couple released a statement following the announcement in which they spoke of the “deep affection” for Wales. The couple lived in Anglesey, Wales between 2011 and 2013, while the Prince underwent Royal Air Force training.
Although the King and Queen Consort Camilla were greeted warmly by crowds in Cardiff, there is a movement afoot in the country calling for an end to the title of the Prince of Wales.