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{{Short description|Ceremony marking formal acknowledgement of a newly-created Prince of Wales}}
{{Short description|Ceremony marking formal acknowledgement of a newly-created Prince of Wales}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
[[Image:Caernafon Black Tower.jpg|thumb|[[Caernarfon Castle]] was the site of two investitures in the 20th century]]
[[Image:Caernafon Black Tower.jpg|thumb|[[Caernarfon Castle]] was the site of two investitures in the 20th century|198x198px]]


The '''investiture of the Prince of Wales''' is the ceremony formally acknowledging a new [[Prince of Wales]]. The prince is presented and [[investiture|invested]] with the insignia of his rank and dignity, in the manner of a [[coronation]]. An investiture is purely ceremonial, as the title is created via [[letters patent]].
The '''investiture of the Prince of Wales''' is the ceremony formally acknowledging a new [[Prince of Wales]]. The prince is presented and [[investiture|invested]] with the insignia of his rank and dignity, in the manner of a [[coronation]]. An investiture is purely ceremonial, as the title is created via [[letters patent]].
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==History==
==History==
[[Image:Edward I & II.jpg|thumb|Edward I and Edward II]]
⚫
The tradition of investing the [[heir apparent]] of the English, and subsequently the British, monarch with the title of "Prince of Wales" began in 1301, when King [[Edward I of England]], having completed the conquest of Wales, gave the title to his heir apparent, Prince Edward (later King [[Edward II of England]]).


=== Native Prince of Wales ===
==Form==
⚫
[[Image:Llywelyn le Dernier.jpg|thumb|[[Llywelyn ap Gruffudd|Llywelyn the Last]] wearing his coronet]]It is recorded that [[Llywelyn ap Gruffudd]] had deposited [[Llywelyn's coronet|his coronet]] along with his other [[regalia]] with the monks at [[Cymer Abbey]] for safekeeping at the start of his final campaign in 1282. He was killed later that year. The coronet was seized and presented to King [[Edward I of England]] as a token of the complete annihilation of the independent Welsh state.<ref>{{cite web |title=History of Wales |url=http://encyclopedia.farlex.com/Wales:+history+1066+to+1485}}</ref>

=== English rule ===
⚫
The tradition of investing the [[heir apparent]] of the English, and subsequently the British, monarch with the title of "Prince of Wales" began in 1301, when King [[Edward I of England]], having completed the conquest of Wales, gave the title to his heir apparent, Prince Edward (later King [[Edward II of England]]).[[Image:Edward I & II.jpg|thumb|Edward I and Edward II|308x308px]]
Investiture is not necessary for the official creation of the Prince of Wales. Earlier, [[Peerage|peers]] were also invested; however, the investitures for peers ceased in 1621, at a time when peerages were being created so frequently that the investiture ceremonies became cumbersome. Most investitures for Princes of Wales were held in parliament.
Investiture is not necessary for the official creation of the Prince of Wales. Earlier, [[Peerage|peers]] were also invested; however, the investitures for peers ceased in 1621, at a time when peerages were being created so frequently that the investiture ceremonies became cumbersome. Most investitures for Princes of Wales were held in parliament.


===Modern form===
==== Modern form ====
In 1911, the future King [[Edward VIII]] was invested in [[Caernarfon Castle]] in Wales. The present King, [[Charles III]], was also invested there in 1969.
In 1911, the future King [[Edward VIII]] was invested in [[Caernarfon Castle]] in Wales. The present King, [[Charles III]], was also invested there in 1969.


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The letters patent stated that Charles Philip Arthur George would receive the title, style, honour and privilege of the Principality of Wales and Earldom of Chester.
The letters patent stated that Charles Philip Arthur George would receive the title, style, honour and privilege of the Principality of Wales and Earldom of Chester.


==Regalia==
==== Regalia ====
{{main|Honours of the Principality of Wales}} {{see also|Coronet of Charles, Prince of Wales}}
{{main|Honours of the Principality of Wales|Coronet of Charles, Prince of Wales}}
[[Image:Llywelyn le Dernier.jpg|thumb|left|[[Llywelyn ap Gruffudd|Llywelyn the Last]] wearing his coronet]]
⚫
It is recorded that [[Llywelyn ap Gruffudd]] had deposited [[Llywelyn's coronet|his coronet]] along with his other [[regalia]] with the monks at [[Cymer Abbey]] for safekeeping at the start of his final campaign in 1282. He was killed later that year. The coronet was seized and presented to King [[Edward I of England]] as a token of the complete annihilation of the independent Welsh state.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://encyclopedia.farlex.com/Wales:+history+1066+to+1485|title=History of Wales}}</ref>

[[Frederick, Prince of Wales]], later had the [[Coronet of Frederick, Prince of Wales]], made at a cost of £140 5s. in 1728. It is unknown whether Frederick ever wore the coronet himself, but it was used by both his son, [[George III of the United Kingdom|George III]], and his grandson, [[George IV of the United Kingdom|George IV]], when each was Prince of Wales.<ref>Mears, et al., p. 31.</ref>
[[Frederick, Prince of Wales]], later had the [[Coronet of Frederick, Prince of Wales]], made at a cost of £140 5s. in 1728. It is unknown whether Frederick ever wore the coronet himself, but it was used by both his son, [[George III of the United Kingdom|George III]], and his grandson, [[George IV of the United Kingdom|George IV]], when each was Prince of Wales.<ref>Mears, et al., p. 31.</ref>


Due to its age Frederick's coronet was replaced by the [[Coronet of George, Prince of Wales]], made for the future [[George V|King George V]]. At George's own coronation in 1911, the coronet was worn by his son, Edward, the next Prince of Wales.<ref>{{Royal Collection|31710|The Prince of Wales's Coronet (1902)}}</ref>
Due to its age Frederick's coronet was replaced by the [[Coronet of George, Prince of Wales]], made for the future [[George V|King George V]]. At George's own coronation in 1911, the coronet was worn by his son, Edward, the next Prince of Wales.<ref>{{Royal Collection|31710|The Prince of Wales's Coronet (1902)}}</ref>


When the former [[Edward VIII|King Edward VIII]] went into exile as the [[Duke of Windsor]] in 1936 (following his [[Abdication of Edward VIII|abdication]]), he took with him the [[Coronet of George, Prince of Wales]], a highly controversial – and illegal – act. This coronet had been specially created for King George V, then Prince of Wales, and he wore it at [[Edward VII|his father]]'s coronation in 1902. The traditional coronet being unavailable, and with the older Coronet of Frederick, Prince of Wales being viewed as unusable due to age, a new Prince of Wales coronet was made to be used for the investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales.<ref>Mears, et al., p. 24.</ref>
When the former [[Edward VIII|King Edward VIII]] went into exile as the [[Duke of Windsor]] in 1936 (following his [[Abdication of Edward VIII|abdication]]), he took with him the [[Coronet of George, Prince of Wales]], a highly controversial – and illegal – act. This coronet had been specially created for King George V, then Prince of Wales, and he wore it at [[Edward VII|his father]]'s coronation in 1902. The traditional coronet being unavailable, and with the older Coronet of Frederick, Prince of Wales being viewed as unusable due to age, a new Prince of Wales coronet was made to be used for the investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales.<ref>Mears, et al., p. 24.</ref>



==Investiture of Prince Charles==
==Investiture of Prince Charles==

Revision as of 01:33, 10 September 2022

Caernarfon Castle was the site of two investitures in the 20th century

The investiture of the Prince of Wales is the ceremony formally acknowledging a new Prince of Wales. The prince is presented and invested with the insignia of his rank and dignity, in the manner of a coronation. An investiture is purely ceremonial, as the title is created via letters patent.

Investitures fell into abeyance and the revival of investing the Prince of Wales in 1911 was largely due to the instigation of David Lloyd George, a Welsh politician. A similar ceremony was also held in 1969 for Queen Elizabeth II's eldest son and heir apparent, Prince Charles, who as of 9 September 2022 reigns as Charles III.

History

Native Prince of Wales

Llywelyn the Last wearing his coronet

It is recorded that Llywelyn ap Gruffudd had deposited his coronet along with his other regalia with the monks at Cymer Abbey for safekeeping at the start of his final campaign in 1282. He was killed later that year. The coronet was seized and presented to King Edward I of England as a token of the complete annihilation of the independent Welsh state.[1]

English rule

The tradition of investing the heir apparent of the English, and subsequently the British, monarch with the title of "Prince of Wales" began in 1301, when King Edward I of England, having completed the conquest of Wales, gave the title to his heir apparent, Prince Edward (later King Edward II of England).

Edward I and Edward II

Investiture is not necessary for the official creation of the Prince of Wales. Earlier, peers were also invested; however, the investitures for peers ceased in 1621, at a time when peerages were being created so frequently that the investiture ceremonies became cumbersome. Most investitures for Princes of Wales were held in parliament.

Modern form

In 1911, the future King Edward VIII was invested in Caernarfon Castle in Wales. The present King, Charles III, was also invested there in 1969.

The ceremony in 1969 began with Prince Charles, led by the regalia bearers, entering the Chamberlain Tower, to await the arrival of Queen Elizabeth II. Once the royal family had arrived, the lesser members took their seats in the gallery, but the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, led by the Earl of Snowdon, the Lord Great Chamberlain, the Earl Marshal and the Gentleman Usher carrying the Great Sword of State, made their way to the stage where the investiture was to be conducted. After reaching the podium, where the Secretary of State for Wales, carrying the letters patent, was already standing, the Earl Marshal instructed Garter to conduct the Prince and his cortège from the tower. As they came to the stage Prince Charles knelt before the three thrones on the stage. During the reading of the letters patent in Welsh, the Queen invested Charles with the girdle, sword, coronet, ring, rod and kingly mantle, in that order. Prince Charles then declared,

I, Charles, Prince of Wales, do become your liege man of life and limb and of earthly worship, and faith and truth I will bear unto thee, to live and die against all manner of folks.[2]

Charles then customarily kissed the Queen's cheek and they embraced. Charles then took his place in the throne at his mother's right, before standing to give two speeches, one in Welsh and one in English. A brief religious service was then conducted and the Queen led the Prince of Wales to Queen Eleanor's Gate, to receive the homage of his adopted nation. The numerous banners and standards of the Prince of Wales were hung from the balcony.

The letters patent stated that Charles Philip Arthur George would receive the title, style, honour and privilege of the Principality of Wales and Earldom of Chester.

Regalia

Main articles: Honours of the Principality of Wales and Coronet of Charles, Prince of Wales

Frederick, Prince of Wales, later had the Coronet of Frederick, Prince of Wales, made at a cost of £140 5s. in 1728. It is unknown whether Frederick ever wore the coronet himself, but it was used by both his son, George III, and his grandson, George IV, when each was Prince of Wales.[3]

Due to its age Frederick's coronet was replaced by the Coronet of George, Prince of Wales, made for the future King George V. At George's own coronation in 1911, the coronet was worn by his son, Edward, the next Prince of Wales.[4]

When the former King Edward VIII went into exile as the Duke of Windsor in 1936 (following his abdication), he took with him the Coronet of George, Prince of Wales, a highly controversial – and illegal – act. This coronet had been specially created for King George V, then Prince of Wales, and he wore it at his father's coronation in 1902. The traditional coronet being unavailable, and with the older Coronet of Frederick, Prince of Wales being viewed as unusable due to age, a new Prince of Wales coronet was made to be used for the investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales.[5]


Investiture of Prince Charles

A large protest against the holding of the investiture in Caernarfon took place in March 1969
Caernarfon Castle set up for the investiture of Prince Charles, 30 June 1969

The then Prince Charles was made the Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester by letters patent on 26 July 1958,[6][7] but the official investiture was not held until 1 July 1969. The ceremony, at Caernarfon Castle, was well received by many Welsh people. Taught at University College of Wales, Aberystwyth by the lecturer and Welsh-nationalist politician Edward Millward,[8] Prince Charles spent ten weeks leading up to his investiture learning about Welsh culture, history and language, and during the ceremony he gave his replies in both English and Welsh. He gave his address in Welsh.[9]

On the evening of 28 June 2009—to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the investiture—BBC Parliament broadcast a repeat of the original BBC TV colour outside broadcast from 1 July 1969, fronted by Cliff Michelmore and Richard Baker. This was preceded by an interview with Prince Charles recorded a few days before his investiture. The BBC repeated the broadcast on 1 July 2019, to mark the 50th anniversary.[10]

Opposition to the Investiture

The protests leading up to the investiture of Charles as Prince of Wales has been described as the "anti-investiture movement".[11]

Cofia 1282 (Remember 1282) a protest against the investiture of Charles.

Tedi Milward, professor of Welsh at Aberystwyth University, became friendly with Charles in the lead-up to the investiture whilst teaching him some Welsh. He refused invitations to the investiture ceremony, as well as Charles' wedding to Diana in 1981. Charles himself said in 2019 "Every day I had to go down to the town where I went to these lectures, and most days there seemed to be a demonstration going on against me."[12]

The investiture of Charles as "Prince of Wales was controversial and also led to widespread protests in Wales. The group "Cofia 1282" ("Remember 1282", the death year of Llywelyn the Last) also held protests against the investiture.[13]

Welsh singer Dafydd Iwan voiced his opposition and protest against investing Charles as Prince of Wales and also wrote a song "Carlo" mocking Charles.[14]

The Welsh Language society (Cymdeithas yr Iaith) also held a rally against the investiture on the 29th of August, 1969 at Cilmeri, the site of the death of Llywelyn the Last.[15]

On the day of the investiture, a few nonviolent protesters were arrested. Some were escorted away carrying signs saying “Cymru nid Prydain” (Wales not Britain). Others booed and made obscene gestures at the royal carriages.[16] One protestor threw an egg at the Queen’s carriage as it passed by.[17] Another threw a banana skin under the feet of the military escort as it processed by.[18]

The investiture was watched by millions on television, and attracted large and excited crowds in Caernarfon, but it also aroused considerable hostility among a minority of nationalist and republican Welsh people. The nationalist campaign against the investiture culminated with an attempted bombing by two members of the Mudiad Amddiffyn Cymru ('Movement for the Defence of Wales'). On the eve of the investiture, two bombers were killed whilst placing a bomb outside government offices in Abergele.[19] In 1999, it was claimed that the KGB plotted to disrupt the proceedings by bombing a bridge in Porthmadog.[20]

Opinion polls

In recent opinion polls, the majority of Welsh people (usually cited as over 60 per cent) have remained in favour of the monarchy, with a BBC Wales poll in 1999 finding that 73 per cent of Welsh speakers want the position of Prince of Wales to continue.[21] A BBC poll, to mark the 40th anniversary of the investiture, showed that 38 per cent of the Welsh population was in favour of a similar public ceremony for Prince William after Prince Charles becomes king.[22] A poll in July 2018 again found the 57% of Welsh people in support of the title passing on when the current prince becomes king with 27% opposed, support for a similar investiture was less certain however, with 31% supporting, 27% opposed and 18% wanting a different kind of investiture.[23]

References

  1. ^ "History of Wales".
  2. ^ "The Investiture of Prince Charles". British Movietone. 3 July 1969. Retrieved 22 June 2022 – via YouTube.
  3. ^ Mears, et al., p. 31.
  4. ^ "The Prince of Wales's Coronet (1902)". Royal Collection Trust. Inventory no. 31710.
  5. ^ Mears, et al., p. 24.
  6. ^ "No. 41460". The London Gazette. 29 July 1958. p. 4733.
  7. ^ "Previous Princes of Wales". Charles, Prince of Wales. Archived from the original on 27 August 2007. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
  8. ^ "Charles termed serious, hard-working student". Leader-Post. 24 May 1969. p. 1.
  9. ^ "Investiture as Prince of Wales". Charles, Prince of Wales.
  10. ^ "Charles: Prince for Wales?". BBC One. 1 July 2019. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
  11. ^ Ellis, John Stephen (2008). Investiture: Royal Ceremony and National Identity in Wales, 1911-1969. University of Wales Press. p. 207. ISBN 978-0-7083-2000-6.
  12. ^ "Prince Charles' Wales Investiture Was As Controversial As 'The Crown' Shows". Bustle. Retrieved 8 September 2022.
  13. ^ "50 years since the Investiture". National Library of Wales Blog. 1 July 2019. Retrieved 8 September 2022.
  14. ^ Jones, Craig Owen (Summer 2013). ""Songs of Malice and Spite"?: Wales, Prince Charles, and an Anti-Investiture Ballad of Dafydd Iwan". Music and Politics. 7 (2). doi:10.3998/mp.9460447.0007.203. ISSN 1938-7687.
  15. ^ Ellis, John Stephen (2008). Investiture: Royal Ceremony and National Identity in Wales, 1911-1969. University of Wales Press. p. 206. ISBN 978-0-7083-2000-6.
  16. ^ Stephen), Ellis, John S. (John (2008). Investiture : royal ceremony and national identity in Wales, 1911-1969. University of Wales Press. p. 235. OCLC 647632453.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  17. ^ Morris, Jan. The Princeship of Wales. p. 19.
  18. ^ Caernarvon and Denbigh Herald (July 11th, 4 ed.). 1969.
  19. ^ "'Militants' key role in coming of devolution left ignored deliberately'". Wales Online. 20 November 2008.
  20. ^ "Prince of Wales 'bomb plot' revealed". BBC News Online. 13 September 1999. Retrieved 5 May 2010.
  21. ^ "Wales backs Charles for king". BBC News Online. 25 June 1999. Retrieved 5 May 2010.
  22. ^ "Poll shows support for monarchy". BBC News Online. 30 June 2009. Retrieved 5 May 2010.
  23. ^ ITV. "ITV News Poll: Should Charles be the last Prince of Wales?". ITV News. ITV. Retrieved 13 March 2022.

Bibliography

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