Prince of Wales' regalia 'should be displayed in Wales'

A call has been made to put the Prince of Wales' regalia on display next year to mark 45 years since his investiture.

The Honours of the Principality of Wales include a coronet, rod, ring and sword.

Last used at the 1969 Caernarfon Castle investiture, they are currently in storage at St James's Palace in London.

Welsh Conservative spokesperson for heritage Suzy Davies says the regalia should go on show at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth.

But historian Christopher Lee said Caernarfon Castle would be the best place for the regalia to be on display.

Ms Davies said: "As we approach the 45th anniversary of Prince Charles' investiture as Prince of Wales, it would be appropriate to bring the original regalia out of storage and place it on show for the people of Wales.

"I can think of nowhere more fitting for such a permanent display than the National Library of Wales - the home of so many of our national treasures.

"This would recognise the major role Aberystwyth played in preparing the Prince for his future constitutional role and support the National Library after its recent fire.

"Few heirs to the throne have served as long as Prince Charles has, and none has taken such a close interest in Welsh affairs and the issues affecting our nation's people.

"It is a shame that such beautiful regalia is currently out of public sight and gathering dust in storage."

The regalia had been on loan to the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff but was returned to London about two years ago.

It is currently in storage in St James's Palace, which includes Clarence House, the London residence of Prince Charles.

'Not just baubles'

Constitutional historian Christopher Lee said he did not know why the regalia was moved out of Wales but he believed it should go on display at Caernarfon Castle.

"It shouldn't be located up in St James' Palace. Why not bring it back?

"But I wouldn't put it in Cardiff," he added.

"I would make something of it and say 'listen, Caernarfon relies a lot on tourism, come and see it'."

He said the regalia was important to Wales.

"They're not just baubles," he added.

The rod, ring and sword were originally designed for the 1911 investiture of the future King Edward VIII as Prince of Wales and were used again for Prince Charles' investiture in 1969.

The coronet he wore was designed especially for the occasion.

The regalia includes the Welsh dragon insignia and incorporates gold from mines in Gwynedd.