Prince Charles becomes longest-serving Prince of Wales
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-41179772
Prince Charles becomes the longest-serving Prince of Wales
Quote:
Originally Posted by BBC News
Prince Charles has become the longest-serving Prince of Wales in history.
On Saturday he took the record from King Edward VII who held the title for more than 59 years before becoming monarch in 1901 after the death of Queen Victoria.
From Prince Charles' 1969 investiture at Caernarfon Castle to the 2006 purchase of his official Welsh home in Carmarthenshire, he certainly has a long history with the country.
But while one Welsh historian says his relationship with Wales is "symbolic" another says he has a "vital role".
Prof Peter Stead believes the prince, who has held the title for 59 years, one month and 15 days, has faced both frustration and achievement over the decades.
But he thinks Wales should "delight" in its "rather eccentric" prince.
History of the Prince of Wales title
Quote:
Originally Posted by BBC News
- In 1301 Edward of Caernarfon, the future Edward II, was invested as Prince of Wales - this was the first time the eldest son of the King of England had been bestowed the title.
- Since then, only one native Welshman, Owain Glyndwr has had a claim to the title, and was proclaimed as such in 1400.
- His armed revolt was defeated in 1409 and marked the end of native princes for good. Since then the eldest son of the reigning monarch has been made Prince of Wales.
- The title is not automatic and has to be created each time by the reigning monarch. It is not an hereditary title.
- Prince Charles is the 21st Prince of Wales in the current line.
- The previous longest-serving holder of the title was Edward VII. The then Albert Edward was created Prince of Wales on 8 Dec 1841 when he was just one month old old. He acceded to the throne as Edward VII on 22 Jan 1901, meaning he served as Prince of Wales for 59 years, one month and 14 day.
- Prince Charles was created Prince of Wales when he was nine years old on 26 July 1958. He has now held the title for 59 years, one month and 15 days. He was not invested at Caernarfon Castle in Gwynedd until 1 July 1969, aged 20.
- Prince Charles is also the longest-serving heir apparent in British history.
Another record broken.