Earlier this year I posted a copy of ‘Crach Ffinnant – The Prophecy’ to young Prince George for his birthday. In my innocence and generosity, I felt this was actually appropriate for a young man of his age as it is a novel speaking to the magic of an ancient prophecy. Well, three months down the line, I have not received either an acknowledgment or thanks from the Royal Household. I am aware it is a matter of protocol for all gifts to at the very least, receive a note of thanks from a secretary to the Prince. It is only the fact the Coronation of his Grandfather King Charles III is next week, that made me remember.
Perhaps, it was thought that such a story should be kept from the young eyes of a future Prince of Wales, and King. I know not and merely beg the question. But as I ponder, I am reminded of his Grandfather’s investiture as Prince of Wales on 1 July 1969 and his father, Prince William who was made so on 9 September 2022, with no plans for a formal investiture but a stated intent on “deepening the trust and respect of the people of Wales.” Quite rightly it has long been considered that the last true Prince of Wales was indeed, Owain Glyndwr, and has long been a bone of contention as indeed King Charles III experienced in 1969. Of course, Caernarfon Castle was built by King Edward 1 in 1283 at the end of the Edwardian Conquest of Wales which began in 1277. This was a pivotal time in the history of Wales as it greatly reduced the territory of Llwelyn ap Gruffydd (Llwelyn the Last) followed by the rest of Wales. Owain shared ancestry with the Gwynedd Royal House of Llwelyn the Great, and the Princes of Deheubarth on his mother’s side in addition to being a direct descendant of the Princes of Powys on his father’s.
For over 123 years under the rule of the English monarchy Wales, experienced terrible atrocities leading to the Rebellion of 1400 led by Owain Glyndwr, who as we know disappeared from history never captured by Henry IV or his son Henry V. Much water has gone under the bridge with yet more atrocities through the centuries far too numerous to write about here, but never to be forgotten. I believe the monarchy would like to cast back into the mists of time such a history, not wishing young Prince George, to be truly educated. Frankly, I think it is just bad manners his gift was not acknowledged.
I can’t help feeling as a Yorkshire man with a love for all things Welsh, the guardians of the young Prince are being just a little overprotective. Of course, in 1400 my head would have been on a spike on London Bridge. Furthermore, as there are moves currently for the monarchy to acknowledge their links with slavery, perhaps it should start with Wales, enslaved by the English for centuries.
Lazarus Carpenter - Author 