Figure 1.-- Here is Edward, Prince of Wales dressed for his investment as Prince of Wales. He was officially invested as Prince of Wales at Carnavon Castle. He was 17 years old. He was coached by the prime minister, David Lloyd George, to say a few words in Welsh. Lloyd George was Britain's only Welsh primeminister. This ceremony marked the first time since the early 17th century that the Prince of Wales was actually installed in Wales. Edward is wearing his robes of royalty with a coronet. The costume is very elaborate: a purple tunic trimmed with ermine, white knee breeches (notice the Order of the Garter on his right leg just below the knee), white stockings, and black pumps. Over this he wears a purple velvet robe with a white ermine cape, a sword and a small scepter (symbolic of his status as heir to the throne.

David was the first Prince of Wales to be invested in 300 years. His father George V , for example, was not the Prince of Wales as he was a younger brother. I'm not sire why George IV was not invested. It was made into quite an event. David was invested Prince Edward of Wales at Caernarvon Castle in Wales, July 1911. He was about 17 at the time. The ceremonial costume consisted of a white tunic with a proliferation of pleats and ruffles, a white jabot of lace (worn at the neck), a navy blue belt with sword, white tights, and slippers with rosettes. Note that he wears the garter (signifying that he is a Knight of the Garter) around his right leg below the knee. A subordinate knightly order with tassels encircles his other leg. At his investiture, he was horrified at the costume. He was still a naval cadet at the time. He complained of what the other cadets would say if they saw him dressed like that.

Created: 9:14 PM 8/26/2009
Last updated: 9:15 PM 8/26/2009