DOWNING Street has backtracked after saying William and Kate's royal train tour is a “matter for the palace”.
Asked earlier whether Boris Johnson’s administration shares the concerns of the Welsh and Scottish governments, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman told reporters: “That is obviously a matter for the palace and I would point you towards them.
“But we set out clearly the tiers and the advice around the current guidelines that we are asking the public to abide by.”
READ MORE: Covid: William and Kate criticised for 'unnecessary' Wales visit
Challenged on whether the royal couple had complied with the rules, the spokesman said: “I’m making the general point that we have set out the regionalised tier system that is now in place and the guidance that we are asking people to abide by.”
In response to a suggestion that No 10 was refusing to give its backing to the couple’s trip, the spokesman said: “I would point you towards the palace.”
About half an hour later Number 10 U-turned, saying Boris Johnson welcomed the “morale boost” the tour would provide.
A spokesman said: “The PM is delighted to see the warm reception the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have received on their hugely valuable train tour of England, Scotland and Wales.
“The tour will be a welcome morale boost to frontline workers who have done so much during the pandemic.”
This morning health minister Vaughan Gething criticised Prince William and Kate's decision to travel to Wales as Covid cases rise, saying he would prefer it if “no-one was having unnecessary visits”.
He said the royal visit should not be used by people as an “excuse” to say they are “confused” about coronavirus regulations.
READ MORE: Fury as royals flout Scottish Covid travel ban warning for train tour
Yesterday First Minister Nicola Sturgeon suggested the duke and duchess travelled to Edinburgh despite their office being made aware of restrictions for those wanting to cross the Border.
She said: “The royal visit is a matter for the royal household and the arrangements around it, and any questions about those arrangements, should be directed to the royal household.
“The Scottish Government was advised about the intention to visit, and we made sure that the royal Household were aware, as you would expect, of the restrictions in place in Scotland so that could inform both the decision and the planning of the visit.
“Any more questions on that should be directed to the royal household.”
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