Honours of the Principality of Wales facts for kids
The Honours of the Principality of Wales are special items used when a Prince of Wales is officially recognized. These items are like symbols of his role. They include a coronet (a small crown), a ring, a rod, a sword, a girdle (a belt), and a mantle (a special cloak).
Most of these items, except for the coronet, were redesigned in 1911. This was for the official ceremony of Prince Edward, who later became King Edward VIII.
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What are the Honours of Wales?
The Honours of the Principality of Wales are a set of important items. They are used during the special ceremony called an "investiture." This is when the Prince of Wales officially takes on his role.
The Coronet
The coronet is like a small crown. It is one of the most important Honours.
Design of the Coronet
The current coronet looks exactly as King Charles II ordered in 1677. He said that the king's eldest son, who would be the next king, should have a coronet. This coronet must have crosses and fleurs-de-lis (a special flower design). It also has one arch over the top, with a ball and a cross on it.
The coronet is made of gold. Inside its frame, there is a velvet cap. This cap is lined with ermine, which is a soft white fur.
History of the Coronet
The coronet used today was made for Charles, Prince of Wales in 1969. He is now King Charles III.
The reason a new coronet was needed was interesting. The older coronet, called the Coronet of George, was still with the Duke of Windsor. He was living in France at the time. The Duke of Windsor was the former King Edward VIII.
The old coronet and an even older one, the Coronet of Frederick, are now part of the Crown Jewels. You can see them in the Jewel House at the Tower of London.
Lost Welsh Coronets
The original coronets worn by the Welsh rulers are now lost. For example, Llywelyn's coronet was taken by the King of England in 1284. We only know about it from history books. We do not know what happened to the coronets of other Welsh rulers. It is even possible some never had them.
Other Honours
Besides the coronet, the Honours include a ring, a rod, a sword, a girdle, and a mantle. Most of these were made or redesigned in 1911.
Where to See the Honours
The Honours of the Principality of Wales were on display for many years. They were at the National Museum of Wales from 1974 until 2011. After that, they were stored at St James's Palace in London.
Since 2020, the coronet and the rod have been on permanent display. You can see them in the Jewel House at the Tower of London.
