The silent protests planned for King Charles III' s visit to Wales later today were discussed on Good Morning Britain.
Former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith was one of the guests on the ITV show this morning [September 16], as she argued people should be allowed to protest without 'impinging' on people's grief and stated balance is what makes the United Kingdom such a great country.
King Charles III will be making a trip to Cardiff, Wales later today - his first since becoming King following the passing of his mother Queen Elizabeth - and the new Head of State will meet charitable organisations and faith leaders after having a private audience with First Minister Mark Drakeford.
A protest against the monarchy is scheduled to take place during the new King's visit, with organisers saying a silent demonstration will start from 1pm at Cardiff Castle - with many attending expected to hold signs questioning the need for a monarchy and call for a new form of democracy.
Speaking to PA about the plans, activist and former Senedd Member for Plaid Cymru Bethan Sayed said: "It is still a difficult time and we totally appreciate that. We all have family who’ve passed away.
"So we have no intention of causing issues but we want our rights to hold and express a different view to be respected. Because that is entirely legitimate if we actually call ourselves a democracy."
Discussing the planned protest on Good Morning Britain this morning, presenter Ben Shephard stated how the King will be hoping to achieve a balance during his visit later today - offering his support to the Welsh people but also allowing protesters to share their opinion freely.
"That's absolutely right and I think that balance is important," Jacqui replied during her appearance on the ITV show. "It's part of what makes this country what it is - part of the tolerance the Queen represented throughout her life."
"It's right. There are some people in Wales [who don't want a monarchy]," she continued, before going on to discuss several Welsh public figures who have expressed anti-monarchy viewers over recent days.
She continued: "If you do feel strongly about that, it's reasonable for you to be able to protest. I think Keir Starmer got it right earlier this week when he said 'Protest is legitimate but also so is grief and mourning' and it's qood therefore that it's a silent protest.
"Given what we were saying about people's individual grief , not to impeach on people's grief or wish to demonstrate. I think that's a balance that can be reached and I hope it is later today."
There have been several arrests since King Charles III became monarch last week, while protesters were moved on in London, Scotland and Oxford. Campaign groups have warned that some of the arrests may be unlawful.
On Monday [September 11], a woman was arrested after a protester was seen holding an anti-monarchist sign ahead of the Accession Proclamation of the King in Edinburgh.
Thousands of people had gathered in the city ahead of the arrival of the Queen’s cortege - but some joined the crowd with placards insulting the royal family. Officers appeared behind the demonstrator and took her away, prompting the crowd to applaud.
A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: "A 22-year-old woman was arrested outside St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh, on Sunday 11 September, 2022 in connection with a breach of the peace."
