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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Prince of Wales
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Title first assumed in 1244 by David ap Llywelyn, son of *Llywelyn ab Iorwerth. It was first recognized by the English crown in 1267, when it was held by *Llywelyn ap Gruffudd. In 1301, by which time the conquest of Wales was secure, *Edward I conferred it on his heir, the future *Edward II. It has been since then the highest of the titles conferred on the eldest son and heir apparent of the monarch; granted with it from the start have been the duchy of Cornwall and the earldom of Chester.
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The three ostrich plumes forming the crest of the principality, together with the motto Ich dien (German for 'I serve'), were won by the *Black Prince at the Battle of *Crécy in 1346. The two best-known princes of Wales in history (because each bore the title for most of his life) have been the future *George IV and *Edward VII. The title was conferred on the present holder, Prince Charles, in 1958.
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