Welsh protesters cover post box with republican stickers

WELSH independence and republican stickers were plastered over a specially decorated coronation post box hours after it was unveiled.

The Royal Mail box in Cardiff was one of four across the UK to be repainted in celebration of the royal event.

But the red, white and blue box, which bears the coronation emblem and a Union flag, attracted criticism from some members of the public and campaign groups. Most have complained about its location, as the one chosen is situated outside the historic Owain Glyndwr pub on St John Street, named after a Welsh hero who fought against England.

Glyndwr’s 15-year-long revolt against the English means he is often referred to as “the last Prince of Wales” and is seen as a symbol of Welsh nationalism.

On Wednesday afternoon, CPD Cefn Hengoed Gweriniaeth Cymru (Republic of Wales) stickers appeared on the postbox over the words “Charles” and “Coronation”. During the night more stickers appeared, with Yes Cymru, Wrexham Lager and Welsh Football Fans for Independence stickers attached. By midmorning the stickers had been ripped off, but their outlines remained visible.

While some on social media appeared to predict and support the vandalism of the box, others, including Calum Davies, a Welsh Conservative councillor for Radyr and Morgantown, reported it to Royal Mail and Cardiff Council.

Cardiff will be the centre of the nation’s celebrations at the weekend, with a public screening of the ceremony at Cardiff Castle and a showing of the concert taking place at Roald Dahl Plass.

A “Not My King” protest will also take place on the city’s streets, with people expected to gather by the statue of Aneurin Bevan on Queen Street from 12.30pm.

It will be followed by a “Big Republican Lunch” in Bute Park, a play on the name of the Big Coronation Lunches that communities have been encouraged to hold to mark the occasion.