BBC Wales - History - Themes - The Prince of Wales The Prince of Wales Full site A - Z index The Prince of Wales Prince Charles is the latest in a long line of heirs to the British throne who have enjoyed the title of Prince of Wales. With the range of principalities that existed in Wales until the middle ages, it was rare that any one leader could argue to have united the nation under one banner and become a Prince of Wales in its entirety. The title isn't automatic, however. It has to be created each time by the reigning monarch - and as such is not an hereditary title. While the likes of Hywel Dda and Llywelyn ab Iorwerth came to rule vast swathes of Wales, it was only during Edward I's reign that Wales became a unified area under one monarch. But, it was an English monarch. Edward, the scourge of Wales and the builder of many of castles used to subdue the population, imposed his infant son, Prince Edward, on the Welsh as their new prince in 1301. Since then, only one domestic warlord, Owain Glyndwr has had a claim to the title, and was proclaimed as such in 1400.

His defeat in 1409 marked the end of domestic princes for good and, since then, the eldest son of the reigning monarch has been made Prince of Wales. (Daughters of the reigning monarch do not become Princess of Wales, as it is only given to a male heir.) The title isn't automatic, however. It has to be created each time by the reigning monarch - and as such is not an hereditary title. The first official Prince of Wales, the infant future King Edward II, was born in Caernarfon Castle , and in 1911 the future Edward VIII was invested in the castle when he became Prince of Wales. Prince Charles was also invested in the castle when he given the title on July 1st, 1969. There were more than 4,000 people in the grounds of Caernarfon Castle when the Queen handed the 20-year-old prince the insignia of the Prince of Wales. In the dry moat and outside the ancient walls of the castle were thousands more, along with yet more millions who watched it on television around the world.

Bookmark this page: Prince of Wales - a history Prince of Wales Title given to the Heir to the British Throne Prince Charles is the 21st holder of the title which began in 1301, when Edward I formally created his son - destined to be Edward II - Prince of Wales. The title is intended for the male heir apparent to the throne, but is an appointment, rather than a birthright. In fact every male heir to the British throne has been given the title The title is often vacant, for example, when the present Queen came to the throne in 1952, there had been no holder since King Edward VIII, who held the title from 1911 to 1936 (when he came to the throne, and ceased to be heir to the throne) The Queen gave Prince Charles the title of in 1958 when he was 9 years old, and apparently considered old enough to understand the significance of the role The Crest of three ostrich plumes The badge comprises three silver (or white) feathers rising through a gold coronet of alternate crosses and fleur-de-lys. The motto "Ich Dien" (I serve) is on a dark blue ribbon beneath the coronet.

The Crest of three ostrich plumes were from to the House of Hainault, from which Edward the Black Prince's mother came. And the motto "Ich Dien" formed part of the arms of the King of Bohemia (nobody seems to know how he entered the scene).In any event, Edward the Black Prince used them at the Battle of Crecy and they became associated with the title Edward III became Prince in 1343, attracted thousands of Welshmen to join him to fight in the French wars.In fact, a quarter of Edward's troops were composed of Welsh archers and spearmen. The feathers were then adopted by the honourable Society of Cymmrodorion in 1751, and today they are the badge of the Welsh National Rugby Union team . Previous Princes Created Prince of Wales Age where invested what happened to him . Edward Edward I and Eleanor of Castile Feb 1, 1301, 16 . in Lincoln Acceded as Edward II on June 8,1307. . Edward Edward III and Philippa of Hainault May 12, 1343 12 at Westminster.

Died on June 8, 1376. . Richard Edward, Prince of Wales and Joan of Kent Nov 20, 1376 9 at Havering. Acceded as Richard II on June 22, 1377. . Henry Henry IV and Mary de Bohun Oct 15, 1399 12 at Westminster Acceded as Henry V on March 20, 1413. . Edward . Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou Mar 15, 1454 5 months at Windsor Died on May 4, 1471 . Edward Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville Jun 26, 1471 7 months at Westminster Acc.as Edward V on April 9, 1483. . Edward Richard III and Anne of Warwick Aug 24, 1483 10 at York Minster Died on April 9, 1484. . Arthur Henry VII and Elizabeth of York Nov 29, 1489 3 at Westminster Died on April 2, 1502. .

Henry Henry VII and Elizabeth of York Feb 18, 1504 12 at Westminster. Acc.as Henry VIII on April 22, 1509. . Henry James I and Anne of Denmark Jun 4, 1610 16 at Westminster Died on November 6, 1612. . Charles James I and Anne of Denmark Nov 4,1616 15 at Whitehall Acceded as Charles I on March 27, 1625 . Charles Charles I and Henrietta Maria of France 1638 to 1641 8 to 11 in London Acceded as Charles II on January 30, 1649. . James James II and Mary of Modena July 4, 1688 3 weeks at St James's. Forfeited title when James II was declared to have abdicated, on December 11,1688. .

George George I and Sophie Dorothea of Brunswick-Luneburg and Celle Sept 27, 1714 30 at Westminster Acceded as George II on June 11, 1727. . Frederick George II and Caroline of Brandenburg-Anspach Jan 8, 1729 21 in London. Died on March 20, 1751. . George Frederick, Prince of Wales and Augusta of Saxe-Gotha Apr 20, 1751 12 in London Acceded as George III on October 25, 1760. . George George III and Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz Aug 19, 1762 1 week in London. Acceded as George IV on January 29, 1820. . Albert Edward Queen Victoria and Prince Albert Dec 8, 1841 4 weeks in London Acceded as King Edward VII on January 22, 1901. . George King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra Nov 9, 1901 36 in London.

Acceded as King George V on May 6, 1910 . Edward King George V and Queen Mary June 23, 1910 16 Acceded as King Edward VIII on January 20, 1936. . Charles Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh July 26, 1958 9 in London Previous Princes of Wales Previous Princes of Wales The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Prince Harry Residences Previous Princes of Wales The Prince of Wales's Standard for Wales, the personal flag His Royal Highness uses during visits to the Principality, is based on the Arms of Llewelyn ap Gruffydd, the last native Prince of Wales. Llewelyn the Last (1248-82) had declared himself Prince of Wales in 1258 as he tried to regain territories surrendered to the English after the death of Llewelyn the Great (1194-1240). The title was recreated in 1301 for Edward of Caernarfon, the future Edward II.

It was the first time the eldest son of the King of England was invested as Prince of Wales, making Edward II the first of the current line of Princes of Wales, of which His Royal Highness is the 21st. Edward was born at Caernarfon in North Wales (where the Investiture of The Prince of Wales took place in 1969), but was in Lincoln when he was given the title in 1301 at the age of 16. He acceded as Edward II on 8th June 1307. Edward did not pass his Welsh title to his son, Edward III. But his grandson, another Edward, the Black Prince, was created Prince of Wales at the age of 12 in 1343 at Westminster. Since then the title has been held by the eldest surviving son of most kings and queens of England. There is no automatic succession to the title, but it is normally passed on when the existing Prince of Wales accedes to the throne. The title becomes merged in the Crown and is renewed only at the Sovereign's pleasure. Six Princes of Wales died before they became king, including Prince Arthur, eldest son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York.

He was created Prince of Wales at the age of three in November 1489, and invested in February 1490 at Westminster. Prince Arthur died in 1502, and the title went to his brother, later to become Henry VIII. Prince Henry, eldest son of James I and Anne of Denmark, was 16 when he was created Prince of Wales in June 1610 at Westminster. He died in November 1612 - and was succeeded as Prince of Wales by his brother, the future Charles I. Prince Frederick, eldest son of George II and Queen Caroline, was created Prince of Wales in 1729, but died before his father. His son, the future George III, became Prince of Wales when he was 12. Queen Victoria created her first son Prince of Wales in December 1841, four weeks after he was born; he had to wait until January 1901 before becoming King Edward VII. Less than 10 months later, in November 1901, the future King George V was created Prince of Wales - at the age of 36.

Prince Edward, son of King George V and Queen Mary, was created Prince of Wales on his 16th birthday, on 23rd June 1910. He was invested on 13th July 1911, at Caernarfon Castle. Edward became King Edward VIII on 20th January 1936. On his abdication, on 10th December 1936, the throne passed to his brother, King George VI - grandfather of the present Prince of Wales. Princes of Wales since 1301 Edward (son of Edward I and Eleanor of Castile) Created Prince of Wales on 1st February 1301, aged 16, in Lincoln.

Acceded as Edward II on 8th June 1307 Edward (son of Edward III and Philippa of Hainault) Created Prince of Wales on 12th May 1343, aged 12, at Westminster Died on 8th June 1376 Richard (son of Edward, Prince of Wales and Joan of Kent) Created Prince of Wales on 20th November 1376, aged nine, at Havering Acceded as Richard II on 22nd June 1377 Henry (son of Henry IV and Mary de Bohun) Created Prince of Wales on 15th October 1399, aged 12, at Westminster Acceded as Henry V on 20th March 1413 Edward (son of Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou) Created Prince of Wales on 15th March 1454, aged five months Invested on 9th June 1454, at Windsor Died on 4th May 1471 Edward (son of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville) Created Prince of Wales on 26th June 1471, aged seven months, at

 Westminster Acceded as Edward V on 9th April 1483 Edward (son of Richard III and Anne of Warwick) Created Prince of Wales on 24th August 1483, aged 10 Invested on 8th September at York Minster Died on 9th April 1484 Arthur (eldest son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York) Created Prince of Wales on 29th November 1489, aged three Invested on 27th February 1490, at Westminster Died on 2nd April 1502 Henry (second son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York) Created Prince of Wales on 18th February 1504, aged 12, at Westminster Acceded as Henry VIII on 22nd April 1509 Henry (eldest son of James I and Anne of Denmark) Created Prince of Wales on 4th June 1610, aged 16, at Westminster Died on 6th November 1612 Charles (second son of James I and Anne of Denmark) Created Prince of Wales on 4th November 1616, aged 15,

 at Whitehall Acceded as Charles I on 27th March 1625 Charles (son of Charles I and Henrietta Maria of France) Declared Prince of Wales c.

1638-41, in London, aged c.8-11 Acceded as Charles II on 30th January 1649 James (son of James II and Mary of Modena) Created Prince of Wales c.

4th July 1688, aged three weeks, at St James's Forfeited title when James II was declared to have abdicated, on 11th December 1688 George (son of George I and Sophie Dorothea of Brunswick-Luneburg and Celle) Created Prince of Wales on 27th September 1714, aged 30, at Westminster Acceded as George II on 11th June 1727 Frederick (son of George II and Caroline of Brandenburg-Anspach) Created Prince of Wales on 8th January 1729, aged 21, in London Died on 20th March 1751 George (son of Frederick, Prince of Wales and Augusta of Saxe-Gotha) Created Prince of Wales on 20th April 1751, aged 12, in London Acceded as George III on 25th October 1760 George (son of George III and Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz) Created Prince of Wales on 19th August 1762, aged one week, in London Acceded as George IV on 2

9th January 1820 Albert Edward (son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert) Created Prince of Wales on 8th December 1841, aged four weeks, in London Acceded as King Edward VII on 22nd January 1901 George (son of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra) Created Prince of Wales on 9th November 1901, aged 36, in London Acceded as King George V on 6th May 1910 Edward (son of King George V and Queen Mary) Created Prince of Wales on 23rd June 1910, aged 16.

Invested on 13th July 1911, at Caernarfon Castle Acceded as King Edward VIII on 20th January 1936 Charles (son of Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh) Created Prince of Wales on 26th July 1958, aged nine; invested on 1st July 1969, at Caernarfon Castle. Prince of Wales Prince of Wales Prince of Wales ( Welsh : Tywysog Cymru) is a title traditionally granted to the Heir Apparent to the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (and formerly the Kingdom of Great Britain and before that the Kingdom of England). The current Prince of Wales is Prince Charles, the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II. Roles and responsibilities The Prince of Wales currently has no formal public role or responsibility that has been legislated by Parliament or otherwise delegated by the Monarchy. Charles, as the Prince of Wales, is the present Duke of Cornwall, responsible for the duchy of Cornwall. History For most of the post-Roman period, Wales was divided into several smaller states.

Prior to the Norman conquest of England, the most powerful Welsh ruler at any given time was generally known as King of the Britons. In the 12th century and the 13th century, this title evolved into that of Prince of Wales. In Latin , the new title was "Princeps Wallie", while in Welsh it was "Tywysog Cymru". The literal translation of "Tywysog" is "Leader" (The verb tywys means to lead, which shares a common root with the modern Irish for prime minister, the Taoiseach ). Only a handful of native princes had their claim to be Prince of Wales recognised by the English Crown. The first known to have used the title was Owain Gwynedd, finally adopting it around 1165 after earlier using 'rex Walie' (King of Wales). His grandson Llywelyn the Great is not known to have used the title 'Prince of Wales' as such, although his use, from around 1230, of the style 'Prince of Aberffraw, Lord of Snowdon' was tantamount to a proclamation of authority over most of Wales.

In 1240, the title was theoretically inherited by his son Dafydd ap Llywelyn, though he is not known to have used it, reverting instead to 'Prince of Wales' around 1244. In 1246, his nephew Llywelyn the Last (or Llywelyn ap Gruffydd) succeeded to the Welsh throne, and used the style as early as 1258. In 1282, Llywelyn was killed during Edward I of England's invasion of Wales, and although his brother Dafydd ap Gruffudd succeeded to the Welsh princeship, issuing documents as prince, his principate was not recognised by the English Crown. Three Welshmen, however, were to claim the title of Prince of Wales before the end of the medieval era. The first was Madog ap Llywelyn, a member of the house of Gwynedd, who led a nationwide revolt in 1294-5, defeating English forces in battle near Denbigh and seizing Caernarfon castle.

His revolt was suppressed, however, after the Battle of Maes Moydog in March 1295, and the prince imprisoned in London. In the 1370s, Owain Lawgoch, an English-born descendant of one of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd's brothers, claimed the title of Prince of Wales, but was assassinated in France in 1378 before he could return to Wales to claim his inheritance. It is Owain Glyndŵr, however, whom many Welsh people regard as being the last native Prince. On September 16, 1400, he was proclaimed Prince of Wales by his supporters, and held parliaments at Harlech Castle and elsewhere during his revolt, which encompassed all of Wales. It was not until 1409 that his revolt in quest of Welsh independence was suppressed by Henry IV. The tradition of investing the heir of the monarch of Britain with the title of "Prince of Wales" is usually considered to have begun in 1301, when King Edward I of England, having completed the conquest of Wales, gave the title to his heir, Prince Edward (later King Edward II of England).

According to myth, the king had promised the Welsh 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 ). However, the story may well be apocryphal, as it can only be traced to the 16th century, and, in the time of Edward I, the English aristocracy spoke Norman French, not English (some versions of the legend include lack of knowledge in both languages as a requirement, and one reported version has the very specific phrase "born on Welsh soil and speaking no other language"). 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. Interestingly, William Camden writing in 1607 states in his book Britannia that originally the title "Prince of Wales" was not conferred automatically upon the eldest living son of the King of England because Edward II (who had been the first English prince of Wales) neglected to invest his eldest son, the future Edward III, with that title.

It was Edward III who revived the practice of naming the eldest son Prince of Wales which was then maintained by his successors: But King Edward the Second conferred not upon his sonne Edward the title of Prince of Wales, but onely the name of Earle of Chester and of Flint, so farre as ever I could learne out of the Records, and by that title summoned him to Parliament, being then nine yeres old. King Edward the Third first created his eldest sonne Edward surnamed the Blacke Prince, the Mirour of Chivalrie (being then Duke of Cornwall and Earle of Chester), Prince of Wales by solemne investure, with a cap of estate and Coronet set on his head, a gold ring put upon his finger, and a silver vierge delivered into his hand, with the assent of Parliament.[#glam1] Nevertheless, according to conventional wisdom since 1301 the Prince of Wales has usually been the eldest living son of the King or Queen Regnant of England (subsequently of Great Britain, 1707, and of the United Kingdom, 1801). The word "living" is important.

Following the death of Prince Arthur, the Prince of Wales, Henry VII invested his second son, the future Henry VIII, with the title--although only after it was clear that Arthur's wife, Catherine of Aragon, was not pregnant. The title is not automatic; it merges into the Crown when a prince accedes to the throne, or lapses on his death leaving the sovereign free to re-grant it should another candidate qualify, such as an heir-apparent other than the eldest living son, such as that deceased eldest son's eldest son (for example, George III). The Principality of Wales, nowadays, is always conferred along with the Earldom of Chester . The convention began 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 the reigning sovereign, the Prince of Wales bears the Royal Arms differenced by a white label of three points. To represent Wales he bears the Coat of Arms of the Principality of Wales, crowned with the heir-apparent's crown, on an inescutcheon-en-surtout. This was first used by the future King Edward VIII in 1910, and followed by the current Prince of Wales, Prince Charles. He has a badge of three ostrich feathers (which can be seen on the reverse of the previous design for decimal British two pence coins dated up to 2008); 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 the Duchy of Cornwall. Representations of all three may be found at List of British flags.

For theories about the origin of the ostrich feather badge and of the motto "Ich dien" (German: "I serve"), see Prince of Wales's feathers. Other titles and investiture The Principality of Wales and Earldom of Chester must be created, and are not automatically acquired like the Duchy of Cornwall, which is the Heir Apparent's title in England , and the Dukedom of Rothesay, Earldom of Carrick, and High Stewardship of Scotland, which are the Heir Apparent's titles in Scotland. 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. The heir apparent is only Duke of Cornwall if he is the sovereign's eldest living son; hence the future George III, grandson of George II, did not receive this title. See Duke of Cornwall for more details.

If holder of the Dukedom of York, the traditional title for the monarch's second son, becomes Heir Apparent on the death of an older brother, he is entitled to retain that title. Prince Henry (later Henry VIII), Prince Charles (later Charles I) and Prince George (later George V) were all second sons, and were therefore already Duke of York when they received the Principality of Wales. Following the reversion to the Earldom of Chester to the crown, in 1254 Henry III passed the Lordship of Chester (but not the title of Earl) to his son Edward, who as Edward I bestowed the Earldom of Chester on his son Edward when he created him the first Prince of Wales in 1301. The Duchy of Cornwall was first created by Edward III for his son Edward, the Black Prince in 1337.

The Earldom of Carrick merged into the crown of Scotland with the accession in 1306 of the Earl of Carrick, Robert the Bruce, who transferred the title to his son David in 1328 (the title became automatically subsidiary to the Dukedom of Rothesay in 1469); the High Stewardship merged into the crown with the accession of Robert, 7th High Steward of Scotland as Robert III in 1371; the Dukedom of Rothesay was created by Robert III of Scotland for his son David in 1398. All three of these titles merged with the Principality in the same person after the personal union of the Scottish and English crowns in 1603 with the accession of James VI of Scotland as James I of England, with the first Prince of Wales to receive them being his son Henry Frederick (subsequently an incorporating union created a single British crown in 1707). 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 Prince, 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. "Heir Apparent" vs.

"Heir Presumptive" The title Prince of Wales is given only to the heir apparent—that is, a male who cannot be displaced in the succession to the throne by any future birth. This would be the eldest son of the monarch, or, if he is deceased, his eldest son, and so on, or if the monarch's eldest son has died without issue, the monarch's second eldest son, etc. In countries that practice male primogeniture, a daughter or sibling of the sovereign who is currently next in line to the throne is not the "heir apparent" because they would be displaced in the succession by any future legitimate son of the sovereign: they are instead the "heir or heiress presumptive" and cannot therefore take the title of Prince (or Princess) of Wales in their own right. Hence there was no heir apparent during the reign of George VI, who had no sons: Princess Elizabeth was heiress presumptive, and was hence not eligible to be titled Princess of Wales (the option of bestowing that title on her was considered and rejected).

It is possible in certain rare circumstances for an heir apparent to be female - for instance if the monarch is predeceased by an eldest son who had daughters but not sons - and there seems no reason why such an heir apparent could not not be made Princess of Wales in her own right. However, this situation has never occurred in practice. Princes of Wales Links The title of Prince of Wales was instituted in 1307 by King Edward I, when he invested his eldest son, Edward, as the first English Prince of Wales, at Lincoln. The traditional ostrich feather badge and the motto 'Ich dien' ( I serve) were adopted by Edward, the Black Prince after the battle of Crecy, they were previously believed to have belonged to the blind King John of Bohemia, who died in the battle. (1) EDWARD OF CAERNARFON The first English Prince of Wales was born at Caernarfon on 25 April, 1284, the fourth and eldest surviving son of Edward I and Eleanor of Castille.

On the completion of his father's conquest of the province, he was created Prince of Wales on 7 February, 1301, at the age of 16, at a parliament at Lincoln. Edward was married to Isabella 'the She-Wolf of France' daughter of Philip IV of France and Joan I of Navarre and had issue, which included the future Edward III. He reigned as Edward II from 1307-1327. He was deposed by a rebellion lead by his wife and Roger Mortimer, Earl of March and forced to abdicate in favour of his son. Edward II was murdered in a bestial manner at Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire. He was buried at Gloucester Cathedral. (2) EDWARD OF WOODSTOCK, THE BLACK PRINCE Edward of Woodstock, later known as the Black Prince for the colour of his armour, was born on 15 June, 1330, the eldest son of Edward III and Phillipa of Hainault.

He was created Prince of Wales on 12 May, 1343, aged 12, at Westminster and was also Earl of Chester and Duke of Cornwall, making him the first English Duke. At fourteen he was amongst the first of the knights of the Order of the Garter, which was founded by his father. He participated in the Hundred Years War with France and famously won his spurs at the Battle of Crecy, adopting as his personal emblem the Ostrich feather badge of the blind King John of Bohemia, who was killed in the battle. He also fought at the battle of Battle of Poiters. Edward married his cousin, Joan, Countess of Kent, known as 'the Fair Maid of Kent', daughter of Edmund Plantagenet, Earl of Kent, the marriage was said to be a love match and produced two sons, Edward of Angouleme, who died yound and the future King Richard II. The Black Prince was never to reign as King, he predeceased his father, dying on 8 June, 1376. He was buried in Canterbury Cathedral, near to the shrine of St. Thomas A' Beckett.

(3) RICHARD OF BORDEAUX The second and eldest surviving son of Edward, the Black Prince and Joan, Countess of Kent, Richard was born on 6 January,1367 at Bordeaux. After the death of his famous father, he was created Prince of Wales on 20 November, 1376, aged nine, at Havering. He succeeded his grandfather, Edward III, as King Richard II in 1377. Richard married twice, firstly to Anne of Bohemia in 1383 and secondly to Isabelle of Valois in 1396, neither marriage produced issue. A volatile and brooding character, Richard proved an unpopular King and was forced to abdicate in favour of his cousin, Henry of Bolingbroke. He was either murdered or starved to death at Pontefract Castle in 1400, he was known to be certainly dead by 17 February of that year.

(4) HENRY OF MONMOUTH The future Henry V was born in August or September, 1386-7 at Monmouth, the eldest son of Henry, Earl of Derby (the future Henry IV) and Mary de Bohun. On his father's accession to the throne he was created Duke of Lancaster and Prince of Wales on 15 October, 1399, aged 12, at Westminster. He succeeded his father in 1413. Due to his conquest of France he was to become one of the most famous of the Plantagenet Kings and an English national hero. Henry married Catherine of Valois, the daughter of Charles VI, King of France and Isabeau of Bavaria the marriage produced one child, the future Henry VI. Henry V died of dysentery at Bois de Vincennes whilst on campaign in France on 31 August, 1422. His body was returned to England where it was buried at Westminster Abbey.

(5) EDWARD OF WESTMINSTER The fifth Prince of Wales, Edward, the only offspring of the marriage of Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou, was born on 13 October,1453, at Westminster. He was created Prince of Wales on 15 March, 1454, aged 5 months at Windsor. After his father was deposed by the Yorkists, Edward shared his mother's French exile. In December 1470 he was married to Anne Neville, daughter of Richard Neville, later known to history as Warwick 'the Kingmaker', the marriage produced no issue.

Whilst parcipitating in a campaign to restore his father to the throne, Edward was killed either during or after the Battle of Tewksbury at the age of seventeen on 4 May, 1471,ï¿½there are several versions concerning how Edward, met his end, one states he was cut down as he fled north in the aftermath of the battle another states that following the rout of the Lancastrians at Tewkesbury, a small contingent of men under the Duke of Clarence found Edward near a grove, where he was immediately beheaded on a makeshift block, despite pleas for mercy to his brother-in-law Clarence. An alternative version was given by three other sources: The Great Chronicle of London, Polydore Vergil and Edward Hall, which was the version used by Shakespeare. This records, that Edward, having survived the battle and was taken captive and brought before Edward IV who was with George, Duke of Clarence; Richard, Duke of Gloucester; and William, Lord Hastings. The king received the prince graciously, and asked why he had taken up arms against him.

The prince replied defiantly, "I came to recover my father's heritage." The king then struck the prince across his face with his gauntlet hand and those present with the king then suddenly stabbed Prince Edward with their swords.He was buried at Tewksbury Abbey in Gloucestershire. (6) EDWARD OF SANCTUARY The eldest son of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville, Edward was born in sanctuary at Westminster Abbey, on 4 November, 1470 during the brief restoration of Henry VI. He was created Prince of Wales on 26 June, 1471, aged 7 months, at Westminster. He succeeded his father as Edward V on 9 April, 1483. His throne was usurped by his uncle, Richard, Duke of Gloucester. Edward and his younger brother, Richard, Duke of York, known as 'the Princes in the Tower' were imprisoned in the Tower of London and believed to have been murdered there. Bones which were discovered at the Tower in 1674 and assumed to be those of Edward V and his brother were re-interred at Westminster Abbey by order of Charles II.

(7) EDWARD OF MIDDLEHAM Edward of Middleham was the only son of Richard III and his wife Anne Neville, previously the wife of the Lancastrian Prince of Wales (5). He was born around 1473 at Middleham Castle in Yorkshire and created Earl of Salisbury in 1478 and Prince of Wales amongst great celebration on 24 August, 1483 aged 10, at York Minster. Known to be a delicate child, Edward died on 9 April, 1484, at about ten years old, possibly of tuberculosis and was buried at Sherrif Hutton Church in Yorkshire. (8) ARTHUR TUDOR Arthur Tudor the first Tudor Prince of Wales was born on 20 September, 1486 at Winchester, the son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York , daughter of Edward IV. He was created Prince of Wales at the age of 3 on 29 November, 1489 and invested with the title on 27 February, 1490 at Westminster.

As part of a political alliance, Arthur was married to the Spanish Princess, Katherine of Aragon, daughter of the joint sovereigns Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castille, in November, 1501 at St. Paul's Cathedral. He died at the age of sixteen, during an epidemic of sweating sickness at Ludlow Castle, in the Welsh Marches on 20 April, 1502. He was buried at Worcester Cathedral. (9) HENRY TUDOR The future Henry VIII was born on 28 June, 1491 at Greenwich, the second son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. He was created Duke of York in 1494 and after the death of his elder brother Arthur, Prince of Wales, was created Prince of Wales on 18 February, 1504, aged 12. He succeeded to the throne in as Henry VIII 1509 and famously married 6 times. (1) Katherine of Aragon (2) Anne Boleyn (3) Jane Seymour (4) Anne of Cleves (5) Katherine Howard (6) Katherine Parr.

Henry had issue from his first three marriages and all three of his children were to reign after him. He died on 28 January, 1547 at the Palace of Whitehall. He was buried at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle and shares his tomb with his third wife, Jane Seymour. (10) HENRY FREDERICK STUART The first Stuart Prince of Wales was born on 19 February,1594, at Stirling Castle, Scotland, he was the eldest son of James VI of Scotland (later I of England) and Anne of Denmark and was named Henry Frederick after both his grandfathers. He became Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick and Lord of the Isles from birth. On the accession of his father to the throne of England he was further made Duke of Cornwall in 1603. He was created Prince of Wales on 4 June, 1610, aged 16, at Westminster. Although a promising young man, Henry was never to reign as King, he predeceased his father, dying of typhoid on 6 November, 1612 at the age of eighteen.

He was buried at Westminster Abbey (11) CHARLES STUART Charles, the second Stuart Prince of Wales, was born on 19 November, 1600 at Dunfermline Palace, Fife, the second son of James I and VI and Anne of Denmark. Charles was a delicate and sickly child who experienced difficulties walking and talking. He was made Duke of Albany in 1603 and Duke of York in 1605. On the death of his elder brother Henry, he was created Prince of Wales in his place on 4 November, 1616, at 15 years old, at Whitehall. He succeeded his father as Charles I in 1625. On 13 June 1625, he married Henrietta Maria of France, the youngest daughter of King Henry IV of France (Henry III of Navarre) and his second wife, Marie de' Medici. Civil War broke out with parliament and Charles was tried and executed on the order of Oliver Cromwell, on 30 January, 1649, at Whitehall and buried in the tomb of a past Prince of Wales, Henry VIII, at St.

George's Chapel, Windsor. (12) CHARLES STUART The future Charles II was born on 29 May, 1630 at St. James' Palace, the eldest surviving son of Charles I and Henrietta Maria of France. He was Duke of Cornwall and Rothesay from birth and was created Prince of Wales around 1638-41 in London, aged 8-11. Due to the upheavals of the Civil War he was never formally invested with the title. On the death of his father in 1649 Charles was already in exile. Charles was restored to the throne in 1660 and married in 1662 the Portuguese Princess Catherine of Braganza, daughter of John II, Duke of Braganza and his wife, Luisa de Guzmï¿½n. King Charles II left no legitimate issue. He died of uremia on 6 February, 1685 and was buried at Westminster Abbey. (13) JAMES FRANCIS EDWARD STUART James Francis Edward Stuart was born on 10 January, 1688 at St.

James' Palace, London, the only surviving son of James II and his Italian second wife, Mary Beatrice of Modena. He was created Prince of Wales on 4 July,1688, at St. James' Palace and went into French exile with his parents on his father's vacating the throne after a rebellion lead by William of Orange. On the death of his father he was declared ' James III ' and recognised as such by Louis XIV of France. He married a Polish Princess, Maria Clementina Sobieski (1667-1737) daughter of James Louis Sobieski , the eldest son of King John III, and Countess Palatine Hedwig Elisabeth of Neuburg on 3 Sept, 1719, by whom he had issue, Charles Edward Stuart, otherwise known as 'Bonnie Prince Charlie' and Henry Benedict Stuart, Cardinal York. Three failed Jacobite uprisings were led in his name, in 1715, 1719 and 1745, James died in Rome on 1 January, 1766 and was buried within St.Peter's Basilica, the Vatican.

(14) GEORGE AUGUSTUS OF HANOVER The first of the Hanoverian Princes of Wales was born at Schloss Herrenhausen, Hanover on 10 November, 1683, the only son of George Ludwig, Prince of Brunswick-Luneberg (later George I ) and his first cousin, Sophia Dorothea of Celle. George's parents divorced in 1694. He was created Duke of Cambridge in 1706 and Prince of Wales on 27 September, 1714, aged 30, after the accession of his father to the English throne. He was married in 1705 to the German Princess Caroline of Anspach, daughter of John Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach and Princess Eleonore Erdmuthe of Saxe-Eisenach by whom he had issue, including Frederick, Prince of Wales(15). George succeeded his father as George II in 1727 and died of an aortic dissection on 25 October, 1760. He was buried at Westminster Abbey.

(15) FREDERICK LEWIS OF HANOVER Frederick Lewis was born in Hanover on 1 February, 1707, the eldest son of George, Prince of Brunswick-Luneberg ( later George II ) and Caroline of Brandenburg-Anspach. He was created Duke of Edinburgh by his grandfather, George I, in 1726 and Prince of Wales on 8 January, 1729 at London, at the age of 21. Frederick married the Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, the daughter of Frederick II, Duke of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg (1676-1732) and Magdalena Augusta of Anhalt-Zerbst (1676-1740), by whom he had issue, including the future George III. Frederick never succeeded to the throne, having predeceased his father. He died at Leicester House in London of a burst abscess in the lung, on 31 March, 1751 and was buried at Westminster Abbey.

(16) GEORGE WILLIAM FREDERICK OF HANOVER The future George III was born prematurely on 4 June,1738 at Norfolk House, London, the eldest son of Frederick, Prince of Wales (15) and Augusta of Saxe-Gotha. He was created Prince of Wales after the death of his father by his grandfather, George II, on 20 April, 1751, aged 12 years. George succeeded his grandfather in 1760 and was married in 1761 to Charlotte of Mecklenberg-Strelitz, daughter of Duke Charles Louis Frederick of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Prince of Mirow and his wife Princess Elizabeth Albertine of Saxe-Hildburghausen, by whom he had issue, including Kings George IV and William IV. Afte one of the longest reigns in British history, George died of porphyria at Windsor Castle on 29 January, 1820 and was buried at Windsor. (17) GEORGE FREDERICK AUGUSTUS OF HANOVER The last Hanoverian Prince of Wales was born at St.

James' Palace, London on 12 August, 1762, the eldest son of George III and Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. He was Duke of Cornwall and Rothesay from birth. He was created Prince of Wales on19 August,1762 aged 1 week. He became Regent in 1811 and King George IV in 1820. George was married twice, firstly and in contravention of the Royal Marriages Act, to Maria Fitzherbert and secondly to his first cousin, Caroline of Brunswick, the daughter of Charles William Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbï¿½ttel and Princess Augusta of Great Britain, by whom he had one child, Princess Charlotte of Wales. Princess Charlotte died in childbirth before her father. George died of a ruptured blood vessel in the stomach on 26 June, 1830 and was buried at Windsor. (18) ALBERT EDWARD OF SAXE-COBURG-GOTHA Prince Albert Edward was born on 9 November, 1841 at Buckingham Palace, the eldest son of Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.

He was created Prince of Wales on 8 December, 1841 at 4 weeks old. Albert Edward married Alexandra of Denmark daughter of Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glï¿½cksburg and Louise of Hesse-Kassel on 10 March, 1863, the marriage produced six children, including the future King George V. His eldest son, Albert Victor Christian Edward died of pneumonia before his father. He succeeded his mother in 1901 as Edward VII and became a popular King. Edward died at Buckingham Palace of bronchitis and a series of heart attacks on 6 May, 1910. He was buried at Windsor Castle. (19) GEORGE FREDERICK ERNEST ALBERT WINDSOR The first Prince of Wales of the Windsor dynasty was born Prince George of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha on 3 June,1865 at Marlborough House, London, the second son of Edward VII and Alexandra of Denmark.

He was created Duke of York by his grandmother, Queen Victoria in 1892 and Prince of Wales by his father on 9 November, 1901 at the age of 36. George married his second cousin once removed, Victoria Mary of Teck, the daughter of Francis, Duke of Teck and Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge, by whom he had issue, including Edward VIII and George VI. He succeeded to the throne in 1910 as George V . He died at Sandringham, Norfolk of a bronchial illness on 20 January, 1936 and was buried at Windsor. (20) EDWARD ALBERT CHRISTIAN GEORGE ANDREW PATRICK DAVID WINDSOR David, Prince of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, as he was then called, was born at White Lodge, Richmond, Surrey on 23 June, 1894, the eldest son of George, then Duke of York (later George V ) and Mary of Teck.

He was created Prince of Wales on 23 June, 1910, aged 16 and invested with the title at Caernarfon Castle on 13 July, 1911. He was a popular Prince of Wales and made a number of successful tours of the Empire. He succeeded to the throne as Edward VIII on 20 January, 1936 and abdicated on 10th/11th December, 1936 to marry the American divorcee, Wallis Warfield-Simpson. After his abdication he became the Duke of Windsor and thereafter spent his life in exile. There was no issue from his marriage to Mrs. Simpson, which took place in 1937, in France. He died of throat cancer in Paris on 28 May, 1972 and was buried at Frogmore, Windsor. (21) CHARLES PHILLIP ARTHUR GEORGE MOUNTBATTEN -WINDSOR Prince Charles was born at Buckingham Palace on 14 November, 1948 the eldest son of the then Princess Elizabeth and Phillip Mountbatten.

He was created Prince of Wales on 26 July, 1958 aged 9 and invested with the title at Caernarfon Castle on 1st July, 1969. He has been married twice. firstly to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, by whom he had issue and secondly to divorcee Mrs. Camilla Parker-Bowles , who is known as the Duchess of Cornwall, in 2005. External Links UK Royal Titles UK Royal Titles Discussion about royal and noble titles in the UK Themes in the blog August 12, 2013 Anonymous asked: How do titles transfer? For example George VI was previously Duke of York and then Andrew became Duke of York, does this mean when William and Kate have children the titles will shift? I know Andrew was born after the King had passed but do titles correspond with how close a person is to the thrown? If William were to die before becoming King than George would become the Duke of Cambridge.

However if he becomes King than the title will ‘merge with the crown’ effectively meaning that it will cease to exist Prince George: A (projected) Life in Titles It’s been a good couple of weeks since the world was mesmerised by the birth of our latest Royal. Generally speaking, I’ve been rather impressed with the mainstream media’s reporting of his title, which I’m sure they’ll be relieved to hear. However, as of yet, I don’t think I’ve come across a detailed projection of how we can expect his titles to evolve as he moves through his life. Enter UKRoyaltitles.co.uk and another sensational blog post. As we know, the youngster is currently styled His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge. Barring anything unexpected, he should remain this way until his grandfather’s ascension to the throne. At that moment his father shall become Duke of Cornwall (along with a whole host of other titles) meaning that technically, he will become HRH Prince George of Cornwall and Cambridge. I expect in reality the Cambridge will be gradually dropped. At some stage during his grandfather’s (probably fairly brief) reign it is highly likely that William will be created Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester.

At this stage, we will be introduced to HRH Prince George of Wales. Roll the clock forward a few years and with the succession of King William IV (if his father chooses to be known as such) George will automatically become Duke of Cornwall, Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick, Baron of Renfrew, Lord of the Isle, Prince and Great Steward of Scotland. He will also become THE Prince George, as children (rather than grandchildren) of the sovereign use the definite article in their style. In reality he will be referred to as HRH The Duke of Cornwall until his likely creation as Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester, a title that can only (by custom) be bestowed upon the heir apparent but unlike the other titles, is not automatic. At this stage he, like his grandfather today will be known HRH The Prince of Wales. Then, one distant day in the future – when scarily, I and most of my readers will probably be dead – he will ascend the throne himself, presumably (although not definitely) taking the regnal name of George. Depending on the title his grandfather takes, he will be known King George VII or VIII. There is one other possible title he may pick up along the way.

Sons of sovereigns (or those directly in line of succession) tend to receive peerages upon marriage (in the way that William was created ‘Duke of Cambridge’) primarily so that their wife can enjoy a decent title. If George is to marry once his father has already succeeded than this will be a non-issue – he will, at the very least, be Duke of Cornwall allowing his wife to style herself a Royal Duchess. However in the – unlikely but not impossible – event of him marrying during his father’s reign a title would need to be bestowed upon him. Cambridge would be not be available (that’s William’s until he becomes King) but a whole host of other Royal Dukedoms including Clarence, Sussex and Windsor, will be waiting in the wings. Congratulations to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and God bless our little Prince and future King. Just to confirm (as you would expect from this site) what our tiny royal’s title is. Once named, he will be known as His Royal Highness Prince X of Cambridge. This title depends on one set of Letters Patent and two title conventions. It is through the letters patent on 1917 that he claims his princely style.

This declaration secured the style of Royal Highness and the titular dignity of Prince on the sons of the sovereign, sons of sons of the sovereign and the eldest son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales. However, even had the baby been a girl, LPs issues by the Queen last year would have meant she too would have enjoyed a royal title. By convention, the prince will not use the definite article in his title. This is reserved for sons of sovereigns (e.g. The Prince Edward). Also by convention he will add ‘of Cambridge’ to his title in a nod to his father’s Dukedom. However, to be clear, this is just a titular courtesy; he is a prince of the entire United Kingdom. Over his life the prince is likely to enjoy a string of titles all of which I will blog about this week. I’m trying to track down a copy of the Letters Patent (not sure if this is even possible) but from how it’s being reported it seems as if the Queen has changed the rule in general rather than just for this occasion. A few things are interesting about this: 1. The Queen has obviously felt the need to do this through Letters Patent.

This could be significant for the Wessex debate as it adds force to the argument that Lord Severn and Lady Louise are entitles to the Princely style. 2. Her Majesty has extended the use of the princely style in general (e.g. all children of the eldest son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales) rather than just making it gender neutral (e.g. the eldest child of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales). 3. I had wondered if when the Queen did this she would take the chance to streamline the Royal family and restrict the title for others (e.g. have the title follow the direct line of succession but not other male-line grandchildren). She has clearly not chosen to do this. 4. The Queen has also not corrected other ‘inequality’ issues with titles. E.g. it is still only men who can transmit the Royal style. I suspect this will change in the future. Hopefully more to follow… Congratulations to the Duchess; but her baby may not be Royal Congratulations to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the announcement of a forthcoming child.

As I’m sure many will agree, it’s the cherry on top of an already fantastic year for the Royal Family, which has seen the country devoted in its appreciation of the Queen during her Diamond Jubilee. Totes emot. Constitutionally this is also very significant. Given the Prime Minister’s determination to change Commonwealth succession laws, the Duchess of Cambridge is currently carrying the future King or Queen of the United Kingdom. However, this blog– as regular readers know – is devoted to the rather narrow focus of titles. But here again, there is much to talk about. As I have said many times before, there is a very real chance that Kate is carrying a future Queen of the realm; but if that is the case it will be a Queen born without a Royal title. Royal titles – or specifically the style or Royal Highness and the titular dignity of Prince or Princess – are governed by Letters Patent issued by King George V in 1917 (LP17). This make clear that these royal dignities are restricted to the children of sovereigns, the children of sons of sovereigns and the eldest son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales.

While a son for William would have royalty immediately thrust upon him, a daughter for the royal couple (who let’s say for fun is named Elizabeth) would be known as Lady Elizabeth Mountbatten-Windsor. Awkward much? Hopefully someone senior in courtly circles (who I assume is a regular follower of this poetic collection of constitutional expertise and street-talk) will take notice and make a change. New Letters Patent could be in order. Apparently the Queen is resisting changes to the honours system which would see the ‘Empire’ in OBE etc become ‘Excellence.’ She would, it seem, prefer that such changes were delayed until her son’s reign. This is interesting in and of itself, but it also got me thinking. Despite all the twists and turns of modernisation in today’s Royal Family, titles have generally escaped scrutiny. There was some talk a few years ago about ‘shrinking down’ the number or Princes/Princesses but little has come of it. Various other issues – including the fact that only royal men can transmit status to their children – have largely passed without challenge. Speculation on the future evolution of Royal and noble titles, is most certainly in the scope of this blog. Expect to see more of it.

1948 – 1952: His Royal Highness Prince Charles Philip Arthur George of Edinburgh Commonly known as: HRH Prince Charles of Edinburgh 1952 – 1958: His Royal Highness The Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, Duke of Cornwall, Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick, Baron Renfrew, Lord of the Isle and Prince and Great Steward of Scotland Commonly known as: HRH The Prince Charles 1958 – Present: His Royal Highness The Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester, Duke of Cornwall, Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick, Baron Renfrew, Lord of the Isle and Prince and Great Steward of Scotland Commonly known as: HRH The Prince of Wales Titles explained Officially called ‘Prince of Wales’ in England and Wales, ‘Duke of Rothesay’ in Scotland and with more titles than any other member of the Royal Family, the heir to the throne is most commonly known as 'Prince Charles.’ But strangely enough, this is a title that he was very nearly born without.

As regular readers of this blog will know, the princely title and the style of Royal Highness are governed by letters patent issues by George V in 1917 (LP17). This decree restricted the princely title (along with HRH) to the children of the sovereign and the children of sons of the sovereign; the children of the King’s daughters would - like the vast majority of children in the land - take their style from their father. Had action not been taken than the future King of the United Kingdom would have been born as plain Charles Mountbatten with the courtesy title of Earl of Merioneth (a subsidiary title of the Duke of Edinburgh). However, his grandfather George VI had the foresight to act; albeit only just in time. Just weeks before Princess Elizabeth gave birth, new Letters Patent were issued declaring that all children of Elizabeth and Philip would be a Prince or Princess. As such he was known, for the first three and half years of his life, as His Royal Highness Prince Charles of Edinburgh. But on the 22nd February 1952 his mother’s succession to the throne triggered a revolution in titles for the Kingdom’s new heir.

Not only did he lose the 'of Edinburgh’ tag and gain the definite article (to become HRH The Prince Charles) but he gained the title 'Duke of Cornwall’ which belongs to the heir-apparent of England by right and a host of titles that our synonymous with Scotland’s heir: Duke of Rothersay, Earl of Carrick, Baron Renfrew, Lord of the Isle and Prince and Great Steward of Scotland. The next development in Charles’s title came during the summer of 1958, against the backdrop of the Commonwealth games in Cardiff. At this time the Queen created Charles Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester, two ancient titles that are always bestowed as a pair. At the same time as announcing the creation, the Queen also pledged to present him to the Welsh people 'when he was grown up.' Sure enough, when Charles reached the age of 21 in 1969 the Queen kept her word, and publicly invested her son as Prince of Wales at Carnarvon Castle. Charles is generally regarded at the 21st Prince of Wales, the first being the future Edward II as heir to Edward I.

Although I do not subscribe to this theory myself, there are those that consider Charles to be the 22nd Prince, believing that Henry VIII’s only surviving son, the future Edward VI was invested with the title. While believable conceptually, I do not personally consider there to be substantial evidence that such a creation ever took place. Naturally it is assumed that the Charles will one day succeed his mother and his title will once again be changed. There has been much talk over recent years as to exactly what that will look like; will he be defender of the faith? Will he automatically be called head of the commonwealth? None of us know the answers for sure. It is safe to say however, that in his record-breaking tenure as heir to the throne, it is bound to be something to which he himself has given much thought. Is Olympic Harry the nation’s fourth man? The order of precedence is notoriously tricky to understand; but by Harry representing the Queen at last night’s ceremony, the sovereign has implicitly acknowledged that he’s the 4th man of the realm. Since starting this blog, I’ve been restricted content to ‘Title’ conversations, often ignoring major events in the life of our premier family if I could not find a relevant connection.

However the time has come to open it up to another connected and equally elusive topic - the question of precedence. Ever since Catherine joined Royal ranks, there’s been speculation around the precedence she enjoys within the family. Recent reports suggest that the Queen has ‘re-jigged’ precedence so that blood royals come above HRHs-by-marriage. This would also tie-in with what seemed to happen after Camilla’s marriage, resulting in the York girls – Beatrice and Eugenie – taking precedence over the future Queen of the UK. Prince Harry’s centre-stage presence at the Olympic closing ceremony last night also raised a few questions. As far as I understand it, only the most senior Royal present can be the Queen’s formal representative at any given event, meaning it clearly would not have been possible for the Prince to stand in for the sovereign if his father or grandfather had been there. This however, suggests that Prince Henry of Wales (as he was correctly styled last night) must have taken precedence over all other Royals at the event. (I daresay that this little head-scratcher somewhat distracted most of the viewers from enjoying the ceremony itself).

Perhaps it is no surprise that he took priority over his sister-in-law; this fits in well with the blood principle that the Queen seems to have establish in recent years. More curious is that Harry took precedence over his Aunt, The Princess Royal, who as a child (rather than grandchild) of the sovereign would ordinarily hold greater rank. This, to be fair, would fit into the pattern of the Duke of Cambridge’s engagements appearing above that of his uncles in the court circular. So, based on what we observe, it would seem that Her Majesty has broadly tweaked the principles that determine the order of precedence within the Royal Family to match those that shape the line of succession; namely that blood matters more than marriage and descendants of heirs take precedence over lateral lines. Simples. Hardly. All of this is of course based on piecemeal observation, leaked reports and hearsay. The only thing I am truly clear on is that the concept of Precedence is something of a conundrum to all who seek to comment on it. If you’re one of the gifted few that has managed to get your head around it, please get in touch; I’ll personally nominate you for a knighthood.

Question: Which future king was the first Englishman to be given the title of Prince of Wales?
Answer: EDWARD II