History is made as Prince Charles becomes the longest ever serving Prince of Wales

HRH, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales

Prince Charles now officially holds the title of the longest-serving Prince of Wales in history.

On Saturday, the 68-year-old overtook the previous record held by Edward VII who was Prince of Wales for over 59 years before becoming king.

Prince Charles, who will one day become King, is already the oldest heir-apparent in history.

Charles was initially made Prince of Wales when he was nine years old, but the ceremony would not be held until he was older to understand his role and duty entirely.


The ceremony was directed by the Constable of the Castle, Lord Snowdon. Her Majesty invested her son with the Insignia of his Principality and Earldom of Chester: a sword, Coronet, mantle, a gold ring and gold rod.

The milestone occasion comes just a day after his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, named a new Royal Navy aircraft carrier after her husband at Rosyth Dockyard in Scotland.

As Camilla christened the ship using the traditional whiskey bottle, she said: “I name this ship Prince of Wales. May God bless her and all who sail in her.”

The 65,000-ton carrier is the seventh in the British Navy to be named after the Prince of Wales. It will first take to the sea on missions in 2019.

Prince Charles is the 21st Prince of Wales and has now held the title for 59 years, one month and 15 days.