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prince of Wales
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prince of Wales

royal title
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Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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News •

Prince George is the latest in a long royal line of talented artists • Nov. 11, 2026, 1:21 PM ET (The Telegraph)
Royal family’s love affair with racing might end with the King and Queen • Nov. 4, 2026, 6:07 AM ET (The Telegraph)
King praises Omani sultan’s efforts to reopen Strait of Hormuz • Oct. 20, 2026, 7:17 AM ET (The Telegraph)

prince of Wales, title reserved exclusively for the heir apparent to the British throne. It dates from 1301, when King Edward I, after his conquest of Wales and execution (1283) of David III, the last native prince of Wales, gave the title to his son, the future Edward II. Since that time most, but not all, of the eldest sons of English sovereigns have been given the title. It is specifically granted by the sovereign, and in due course the recipient is invested as prince of Wales. The title ceases to exist when a prince of Wales becomes king, until a monarch bestows it upon a son.