Honours of the Principality of Wales: The Regalia of the Heir Apparent

The Honours of the Principality of Wales are the ceremonial regalia used during the investiture of the Prince of Wales, the title traditionally held by the heir apparent to the British throne. These symbolic objects represent the authority and status of the prince and consist of a specific set of items including a coronet, a ring, a rod, a sword, a girdle, and a mantle.

Key Facts

• The regalia consist of a coronet, ring, rod, sword, girdle, and mantle.
• Most items were redesigned for the 1911 investiture of Prince Edward.
• The current coronet follows a 1677 royal warrant issued by Charles II.
• The coronet and rod are now permanently displayed in the Jewel House at the Tower of London.
• Original coronets from the Kingdom of Gwynedd and other early Welsh principalities have been lost.

The Composition of the Regalia

While the set is comprehensive, the origins of the individual pieces vary. Most of the Honours—specifically the ring, rod, sword, girdle, and mantle—date back to 1911. They were redesigned for the investiture of Prince Edward, who later became King Edward VIII and subsequently the Duke of Windsor.

The Coronet

The coronet is the most distinct piece of the regalia. Its design is governed by a royal warrant issued by Charles II in 1677, which specifies that the heir apparent shall use a coronet featuring crosses and fleurs-de-lis, with a single arch topped by a ball and cross. The frame is crafted from gold and contains a velvet cap lined with ermine.

The specific coronet used today was created for the 1969 investiture of Charles, Prince of Wales (now King Charles III). This new piece was necessary because the previous coronet, used by George, remained with the Duke of Windsor during his exile in France.

Historical Predecessors

The current coronet is part of a lineage of royal headgear. The defunct coronet of George and the earlier Coronet of Frederick are now preserved as part of the Crown Jewels in the Jewel House at the Tower of London. However, the ancient coronets worn by the original rulers of the Kingdom of Gwynedd and other Welsh principalities are gone; for instance, the coronet of Llywelyn was seized by the English king in 1284 and is now known only through historical records.

Location and Display

The Honours have moved through several locations over the decades. From 1974 until 2011, the regalia were exhibited at the National Museum of Wales. Following this period, they were moved into storage at St James's Palace in London. In 2020, the coronet and the rod were transferred to the Jewel House at the Tower of London for permanent public display.

Summary of the Honours of the Principality of Wales

Component	Origin/Date	Current Status/Location
Coronet	1969 (Design based on 1677 warrant)	Jewel House, Tower of London
Rod, Sword, Ring, Girdle, Mantle	1911 (Redesigned for Prince Edward)	Various / St James's Palace
Coronet of George & Frederick	Historical	Jewel House, Tower of London
Llywelyn's Coronet	Pre-1284	Lost (Seized in 1284)

Frequently Asked Questions

What items make up the Honours of the Principality of Wales?

The regalia consist of a coronet, a ring, a rod, a sword, a girdle, and a mantle.

Why was a new coronet made in 1969?

A new coronet was created for the investiture of Charles, Prince of Wales, because the previous coronet was still held by the Duke of Windsor in France.

Where can the public see these items today?

The coronet and the rod are on permanent display in the Jewel House at the Tower of London.

What happened to the original coronets of the early Welsh rulers?

They have been lost to history. Specifically, the coronet of Llywelyn was seized by the King of England in 1284, and the fate of others is unknown.

Who issued the design specifications for the current coronet?

The design follows a royal warrant issued by Charles II in 1677.