Significance Behind Prince Charles' Royal Title — Prince Of Wales

Nov 11, 2020 by apost team

The British monarchy has long held titles. These titles are often linked to a specific region in the United Kingdom. Although Prince Charles holds numerous titles, his most well-known moniker is likely to be The Prince of Wales. Understanding why the next king of England holds this title and where the title comes from requires a dive into a bit of British history. 

As stated on the official royal website, while not an inherited title, the title 'Prince of Wales' is bestowed from the throne by sovereign power to the oldest male child of the reigning British monarch. As Queen Elizabeth II’s oldest son, Charles received that title from his mother. The queen bequeathed the title to him over half a century ago in 1958, though his investiture was not held until 1 July 1969 when he was 20 years old, reports HistoryExtra. Charles has worn this title ever since.

The title is historically tied to the actual country of Wales, which is part of the United Kingdom. Prior to receiving this title, Charles studied for a period of time with a lecturer from Aberystwyth University in Wales in order to learn how to properly speak Welsh, reports the Daily Mail.

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The duties accorded to the royal family member who carries the Prince of Wales title are many. As The Prince of Wales, Charles’ primary responsibility is to support the Queen in keeping national loyalty, focus, and pride in the throne while also encouraging national unity throughout all sectors of British society and inspiring British subjects toward acts of service within their nation, reports the official royal website. Beyond these duties, the Prince of Wales stands as a representative of the crown with regards to meeting with foreign dignitaries when they visit the United Kingdom, supporting military and veteran affairs throughout the nation’s armed forces, and visiting abroad on various occasions as an ambassador for the Queen and the royal family.

Interestingly, the last Prince of Wales who was actually Welsh was Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, also called Llywelyn the Last. He conferred the title upon himself in 1258 while battling to reclaim land from England. The title was later reintroduced in 1301 and given to Edward of Caernarfon who would later become Edward II. This began the new British practice of giving the Prince of Wales title to the oldest son of the reigning monarch. 

Prior to Charles holding the title, the last modern-day Prince of Wales was Prince Edward VIII who was the son of George V and Queen Mary. He was given the moniker in 1911 and continued as the Prince of Wales until he was crowned king in 1936. What many people may not realize is that this means Charles will not wear the title of Prince of Wales indefinitely. When Charles ascends to the throne as king when Queen Elizabeth II dies, the title of Prince of Wales will be conferred upon his own oldest son, Prince William. William will then pass the title to his own oldest son, Prince George, should William assume the throne. That tradition will continue as new monarchs are crowned in future generations.

Until the time Charles becomes king, he will continue to wear the Prince of Wales title along with numerous other titles. These include Earl of Chester, Prince and Great Steward of Scotland, and The Duke of Cornwall, from which his current wife, Camilla, was given the title The Duchess of Cornwall. Camilla and Prince Charles got married on April 9, 2005, at Windsor City Hall. The marriage was only performed in a civil ceremony, as the Anglican Church of England refuses to allow divorced couples whose former spouses are still alive. Following the civil wedding, a church service of blessing took place in St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.

As the oldest son and heir to the throne, Prince Charles will continue to function as The Prince of Wales along with his other important titles and royal duties for the time being. As the Prince of Whales, Prince Charles will spend his forthcoming birthday abroad in Germany.  Following a request from the British Government, he and the Duchess of Cornwall will attend the Central Remembrance Ceremony in Berlin to be held on Sunday 15 November for the annual National Memorial Day of Mourning, as stated on the official royal website.

 "The National Day of Mourning will this year focus on the German British friendship, which has grown in the 75 years since the end of the Second World War. The event pays tribute to the Allied commitment to the liberation from Nazi occupation and to the reconstruction, re-democratisation and subsequent reunification of Germany. It remembers all victims of war and tyranny," the website states.

If you have been captured by this little peek into British royal history, please pass this article to others who may enjoy learning more about Prince Charles and the royal line. And let us know what you think about the royals and their illustrious titles.