Many also turned out in support as the new monarch arrived at Cardiff Castle on September 16, during his first visit to Wales since Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
A small group of protesters held placards with slogans including “Abolish the monarchy,” “Citizen not subject”, and “Democracy now.”
Charles—who for many years had been Prince of Wales—and Camilla visited Cardiff Castle and the Welsh Parliament, known as the Senedd, where he replied to a motion of condolence.
The king said: “I am deeply grateful for the Addresses of Condolence which so movingly pay tribute to our late Sovereign, my beloved mother The Queen.
“Through all the years of her reign, the land of Wales could not have been closer to my mother’s heart.”
Graham Smith, chief executive of anti-monarchy campaign group Republic, was not in Cardiff but told Newsweek: “It’s very clear that the attitude towards Charles is very different to the attitude towards the queen.”
“I don’t think we’ve ever heard booing of the queen but we heard booing of William at the football a few months ago.”
“If these are political figures and people strongly object to what they’re doing and how they are conducting themselves then booing is perfectly reasonable,” he said.
It came hours before Prince Edward, the queen’s youngest child, released his tribute to the monarch: “As a family, we have grown up learning to share our parents, especially our beloved mama, with the Nation, her Realms and the Commonwealth.
“While it has been lovely to have spent time saying our own farewell privately at Balmoral, it is now time to allow others to be able to say their farewell.
“We have been overwhelmed by the tide of emotion that has engulfed us and the sheer number of people who have gone out of their way to express their own love, admiration and respect to such a very special and unique person who was always there for us. And now, we are there for her, united in grief. Thank you for your support, you have no idea how much it means.
“The Queen’s passing has left an unimaginable void in all our lives.”
He described how much the queen meant to his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and their children, James, Viscount Severn, and Lady Louise Windsor: “Sophie and I have taken huge pleasure in seeing our James and Louise enjoying the places and activities that their grandparents loved so much.
“Given that my mama let us spend so much time with her, I think she also rather enjoyed watching those passions blossom. Those times together, those happy memories, have now become massively precious to each and every one of us.
“May God bless Her Majesty and may her memory be long cherished even as the baton she has carried for these past 70 years now passes to the next generation and to my brother, Charles. Long Live The King.”
