The New Student's Reference Work/Prince of Wales

Prince of Wales is the title usually borne by the oldest son of a reigning sovereign of Great Britain. The monarchs of Wales (q. v.) during its independence were so designated, and upon its becoming a part of England the principality of Wales was bestowed by Edward I (1283) upon his son, afterwards Edward II. In 1343 the title was bestowed upon Edward the Black Prince, and from that time to the present the custom has been followed by each reigning sovereign of Great Britain. The title is not inherited but bestowed, and usually some time after the coronation of the sovereign. On the death of a Prince of Wales the title has been transferred to the next heir apparent, if a male. An annuity of $200,000 was settled upon the Prince of Wales by 26 Vict. c. 1. By statute the Prince of Wales becomes a Knight of the Garter as soon as he receives the former title. The particular badge of the Prince of Wales is a design of three white ostrich-feathers encircled by the ancient coronet of Wales and accompanied by the motto: Ich dien (I serve). This device is said to have been assumed by the Black Prince in 1346, when he took such a plume from John, King of Bohemia, whom he slew in battle. The origin of the motto has never been satisfactorily traced. See York, Duke of.