WELSH First Minister Mark Drakeford confirmed today that he was not given advance notice that the Duke of Cambridge has become the new Prince of Wales.

The late queen’s grandson and his wife Catherine were named the new Prince and Princess of Wales by King Charles III on Saturday.

The title is traditionally given to the heir to the throne, but is not passed on automatically.

It was originally given to Edward II, son of Edward I, who conquered Wales in the 13th century, with the story of the trick promise – that the Welsh would be ruled by a “prince who speaks no English,” meaning his newborn baby – often considered a sign of Wales’s subjugation by England.

The new King’s investiture as Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle in 1969 drew protests and direct threats from the Free Wales Army, alongside other groups.

Mr Drakeford, leader of Welsh Labour, said he first heard of the appointment when it was made public.

When asked on BBC Radio Wales if he had been consulted, he said: “No, not at all.”

The First Minister confirmed he had spoken to the new prince —who previously lived on Anglesey while stationed at RAF Valley — on the phone on Sunday.

“It was a very warm conversation,” he said. “Prince William was very keen to reflect on the time he and his family have spent in Ynys Mon. 

“Given that the announcement was made so early in the reign of the new monarch, I think we can be sure it was given a great deal of thought.”

Mr Drakeford acknowledged the controversy over the future of the title but argued that, following the death of the queen last week, it was an inappropriate time to discuss it. 

He said: “I think there is a debate to be had, [but] I don’t think the debate needs to come to a climax in this week of all weeks.”