Lord Elis-Thomas: Pleaded

St James' Palace officials were concerned at the lack of response.

They pleaded with Assembly Presiding Officer Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas to get more Assembly Members to the dinner asked him to pass on their "deep concern".

The Prince, who officially opened the Assembly with the Queen almost 12 months ago, has invited all 60 AMs to dinner.

Some AMs were already booked up to attend the Kinnock lecture - but others have specifically chosen to turn down the Prince in favour of the former Labour leader.

'Concern'

It is unclear how many AMs were still deciding whether to attend the dinner in the Orangery at Margam Park.

Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas told AMs of the palace's concern about the lack of response to the invitations.

A Labour party spokesman said eight Labour AMs would be attending.They include First Secretary Rhodri Morgan.

However, all of the eight-strong Tory group in the Assembly are dining with the prince.

The Tory AM for Monmouth, David Davies, described the slow take-up of the invitations as an "utter disgrace" and a "gross insult" to the prince.

Lack of replies

Only three of the 17 Plaid Cymru members are attending the dinner.

But Plaid Cymru's Islwyn AM Brian Hancock is expected to attend the AGM of Caerphilly County Council.

A spokeswoman for the Prince of Wales said he did not feel snubbed in any way.

She said some concern had been expressed by St James's Palace "some weeks ago" about the lack of replies, but there was no longer any concern.

She said the Prince was looking forward to meeting those who could attend.