Prince of Wales: Difference between revisions
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== History == |
== History == |
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This tradition began in [[1218]] when the advisors of King [[Henry III]] recognised [[Llywelyn ap Iorwerth]] and his successors as "Prince of Wales". This had already been a defacto title since the writing of the [[Magna Carta]] in [[1212]] where he was a signatory and had used that title. In [[1240]] the title was inherited by his son [[Dafydd ap Llywelyn]]. In [[1246]] the title was inherited for the last time by a Welshman when [[Llywelyn ap Gruffydd]] ascended the throne. In [[1282]] Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, and his successors, were stripped of the title and he was 'deposed' by the English king. |
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| ⚫ | [[1301]], when King [[Edward I of England]], having completed the Norman conquest of [[Wales]], gave the title to his heir, Prince Edward (later King [[Edward II of England]]). According to a famous legend, the king had promised the rebellious Welsh natives that he would name "a prince born in Wales, who did not speak a word of [[English language|English]]" and then produced his infant son to their surprise (and presumable chagrin); but the story may well be [[apocryphal]], as it can only be traced to the [[16th century]]. However, Edward II certainly ''was'' born at [[Caernarfon]] while his father was campaigning in Wales, and like all infants, could not at the time speak English. (Indeed, growing up in the royal court over the succeeding years his first language may well have been [[Norman language|Norman]] French, not English.) |
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Prior to the conquest of Wales, only a handful of native princes had claimed the title of Prince of Wales, the country having been divided into smaller principalities for most of the post-Roman period. In [[1258]], the title was claimed by [[Llywelyn the Last]], Prince of Gwynedd, having been briefly held by his uncle, [[Dafydd ap Llywelyn]], who was recognised by King [[Henry III of England]] as rightful ruler. In [[1301]], [[Edward I of England|Edward I]] conquered Wales and granted the Principality to his eldest son, also named Edward. The Principality, nowadays, is always conferred along with the Earldom of Chester. The convention began only in [[1399]]; all previous Princes of Wales also received the earldom, but separately from the Principality. Indeed, before [[1272]] a hereditary and not necessarily royal [[Earl of Chester | Earldom of Chester]] had already been created several times, eventually merging in the crown each time. The earldom was recreated, merging in the Crown in [[1307]] and again in [[1327]]. Its creations since have been associated with the creations of the Principality of Wales. |
Prior to the conquest of Wales, only a handful of native princes had claimed the title of Prince of Wales, the country having been divided into smaller principalities for most of the post-Roman period. In [[1258]], the title was claimed by [[Llywelyn the Last]], Prince of Gwynedd, having been briefly held by his uncle, [[Dafydd ap Llywelyn]], who was recognised by King [[Henry III of England]] as rightful ruler. In [[1301]], [[Edward I of England|Edward I]] conquered Wales and granted the Principality to his eldest son, also named Edward. The Principality, nowadays, is always conferred along with the Earldom of Chester. The convention began only in [[1399]]; all previous Princes of Wales also received the earldom, but separately from the Principality. Indeed, before [[1272]] a hereditary and not necessarily royal [[Earl of Chester | Earldom of Chester]] had already been created several times, eventually merging in the crown each time. The earldom was recreated, merging in the Crown in [[1307]] and again in [[1327]]. Its creations since have been associated with the creations of the Principality of Wales. |
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Revision as of 15:02, 29 November 2005
The eldest son of the reigning monarch of England / Great Britain is traditionally invested with the title of Prince of Wales.
History
This tradition began in 1218 when the advisors of King Henry III recognised Llywelyn ap Iorwerth and his successors as "Prince of Wales". This had already been a defacto title since the writing of the Magna Carta in 1212 where he was a signatory and had used that title. In 1240 the title was inherited by his son Dafydd ap Llywelyn. In 1246 the title was inherited for the last time by a Welshman when Llywelyn ap Gruffydd ascended the throne. In 1282 Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, and his successors, were stripped of the title and he was 'deposed' by the English king.
The title remained dormant until 1301, when King Edward I of England, having completed the Norman conquest of Wales, gave the title to his heir, Prince Edward (later King Edward II of England). According to a famous legend, the king had promised the rebellious Welsh natives that he would name "a prince born in Wales, who did not speak a word of English" and then produced his infant son to their surprise (and presumable chagrin); but the story may well be apocryphal, as it can only be traced to the 16th century. However, Edward II certainly was born at Caernarfon while his father was campaigning in Wales, and like all infants, could not at the time speak English. (Indeed, growing up in the royal court over the succeeding years his first language may well have been Norman French, not English.)
Prior to the conquest of Wales, only a handful of native princes had claimed the title of Prince of Wales, the country having been divided into smaller principalities for most of the post-Roman period. In 1258, the title was claimed by Llywelyn the Last, Prince of Gwynedd, having been briefly held by his uncle, Dafydd ap Llywelyn, who was recognised by King Henry III of England as rightful ruler. In 1301, Edward I conquered Wales and granted the Principality to his eldest son, also named Edward. The Principality, nowadays, is always conferred along with the Earldom of Chester. The convention began only in 1399; all previous Princes of Wales also received the earldom, but separately from the Principality. Indeed, before 1272 a hereditary and not necessarily royal Earldom of Chester had already been created several times, eventually merging in the crown each time. The earldom was recreated, merging in the Crown in 1307 and again in 1327. Its creations since have been associated with the creations of the Principality of Wales.
Heraldic insignia
As heir apparent to his mother or father the reigning sovereign, the Prince of Wales bears the Royal Arms differenced by a white label of three points — just like any eldest son. To represent Wales he bears the Arms of the Principality, crowned with their heir-apparent's crown, on an inescutcheon-en-surtout.
He has a badge of three ostrich feathers (which can be seen on the twopence coin); it dates back to the Black Prince and is his as the English heir even before he is made Prince of Wales.
In addition to these symbols used most frequently, he has a special standard for use in Wales itself. Moreover, as Duke of Rothesay he has a special coat of arms for use in Scotland (and a corresponding standard); as Duke of Cornwall the like for use in that Duchy. Representations of all three may be found at List of British flags.
Other titles, investiture and style
The Principality of Wales and Earldom of Chester must be created, and are not automatically acquired like the Dukedoms of Cornwall and Rothesay, which are the Heir Apparent's titles in England and Scotland, respectively (note: the heir apparent is not necessarily Duke of Cornwall, see Duke of Cornwall for more details). The dignities are not hereditary, but may be re-created if the Prince of Wales predeceases the King. For example, when Prince Frederick, Prince of Wales predeceased King George II, his eldest son, Prince George (the future George III) was created Prince of Wales.
Princes of Wales may be invested, but investiture is not necessary to be created Prince of Wales. Peers were also invested, but investitures for peers ceased in 1621, during a time when peerages were being created so frequently that the investiture ceremony became cumbersome. Most investitures for Princes of Wales were held in front of Parliament, but in 1911, the future Edward VIII was invested in Caernarvon Castle in Wales. The present Prince of Wales was also invested there, in 1969. During the reading of the letters patent creating the Principality, the Honours of the Principality of Wales are delivered to the Prince. The coronet of the heir-apparent bears four-crosses pattée alternating with four fleurs-de-lis, surmounted by a single arch (the Sovereign's crowns are of the same design, but use two arches). A gold rod is also used in the insignia; gold rods were formally used in the investitures of dukes, but survive now in the investitures of Princes of Wales only. Also part of the insignia are a ring, a sword and a robe.
The Prince of Wales is styled His Royal Highness (HRH). The same style is given to the Princess of Wales, by virtue of her marriage. However, as was shown in the case of Diana, Princess of Wales, the style lapses if a Prince and Princess divorce, as it is only hers by virtue of marriage to the Prince of Wales, not in her own right.
Princes of Wales, past and present
The holders of the title have been:
See also
- List of rulers of Wales
- Princess of Wales
- Prince of Wales tea blend
- Ships of the Royal Navy named HMS Prince of Wales.
- Prince of Wales, convict transport ship on First Fleet to Australia.
External links
- The Straight Dope: How can I become Prince of Wales?
- Big Picture TV Free video clip of Prince Charles, HRH The Prince of Wales