Sunday, 5 May 2024

Prince George title: Why George may never receive the Prince of Wales title

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Prince George, seven, is the eldest child of Kate, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William. In the British Royal Family, the male heir to the throne is usually given the title of Prince of Wales. But when Prince William ascends the throne, it is not guaranteed that George will ever receive the title.

The Prince of Wales title was first given to an English heir to the throne in 1301.

King Edward I gave the title to his son, also called Edward, and the Prince of Wales title has been in circulation in the Royal Family since.

The young prince had been born at Caernarfon Castle in 1284, and he later ascended the throne as King Edward II.

The Prince of Wales’ official website explains: “The title was recreated in 1301 for Edward of Caernarfon, the future Edward II.

“It was the first time the eldest son of the King of England was invested as Prince of Wales, making Edward II the first of the current line of Princes of Wales, of which His Royal Highness is the 21st.”

Prince Charles is the longest-serving Prince of Wales in British history, having been given the title by his mother, the Queen, in 1958.

It was not until 1969 that Charles was formally invested as Prince of Wales in a televised ceremony, which took place at Caernarfon Castle.

As heir to the throne, Charles was entitled to be Prince of Wales as soon as his mother ascended the throne.

However whether the heir to the throne receives the Prince of Wales title is a decision that lies solely with the monarch.

When Prince Charles ascends the throne, the Prince of Wales title will be vacant once again.

It will then be Charles’ decision whether to pass the Prince of Wales title to his son and then-heir apparent, Prince William.

The Constitution Unit at University College London (UCL) explain: “Charles was created Prince of Wales in 1958 when he was aged 10, with an investiture at Caernarvon Castle in 1969.

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“As an adult, Prince William might expect to become Prince of Wales soon after his father’s accession; but that will be a matter for the new King to decide because, strictly, the title is not heritable.”

The same principles will apply to Prince George when he becomes heir apparent.

When Prince William is King, William will have to decide whether to continue using the Prince of Wales title in the Royal Family.

Although unlikely, William could decide not to give George the Prince of Wales title.

However given the precedent which has been in place for many years, William is probably unlikely to do so.

But even if he did decide not to give George the title, it would not alter George’s place in the line of succession.

George would still have the right to ascend the throne and become King himself, even if he is not Prince of Wales.

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