Prince of Wales

a title conferred usually by the sovereign of England upon his oldest son and heir. The custom originated in the day of Edward the Black Prince. The title was calculated to appeal to the pride of the Welsh, who had lately been conquered by the English. Thus, when Queen Victoria's oldest son, later King Edward, was born, she made him Prince of Wales. When he became king, the title was extinguished, except that he chose, in accordance with custom, to bestow it on his oldest son. In all ceremonial functions the Prince of Wales is entitled to a place next to that of the sovereign.