Prince William is closer than ever to becoming the next British Heir and Prince of Wales. And, while he has no control over when that will happen, he has been busy preparing for what the role entails — including his future Prince of Wales duties.



Up ahead, we take a closer look at how His Royal Highness is getting ready for the next chapter of his life, including the one language Prince William must know before Prince Charles crowns him Prince of Wales.



Will Prince William become Prince of Wales?



Prince William | Stuart C. Wilson – WPA Pool/Getty Images

According to British ascension rules, Prince William won’t automatically become the Prince of Wales when Prince Charles becomes king. As the future monarch’s first-born son, the title is rightfully his. However, he must wait for his father to bestow the honor and crown him Prince of Wales in a traditional ceremony.



When Prince Charles ascends the throne, Prince William will most likely become the next Prince of Wales. However, there could be some time between the two events.



The 1 language Prince William must know before becoming Prince of Wales



Becoming the Prince of Wales is about so much more than a royal title. As a royal representative of Wales, Prince William will become increasingly connected to the United Kingdom country, starting with language. In preparation for his future role and royal duties, Prince William must learn enough Welsh to converse with Welsh people as well as deliver a speech upon his official crowning.



Prince Charles became Prince of Wales in 1958, at the age of nine. But his investiture didn’t take place until July 1969, when the heir apparent was 20-years-old. According to reports, in his second year of college (before being crowned Prince of Wales), Prince Charles spent a term at University College of Wales in Aberystwyth. There, he studied the Welsh language, as well as the country’s history. On the day of his official crowning, Prince Charles delivered two speeches, one in English and one in Welsh.



Though his fluency is unclear, Prince Charles has delivered speeches, and even read poetry in Welsh.



Does Prince William speak Welsh?



Like his father, Prince William also speaks Welsh. According to a 2003 report from BBC, the Duke of Cambridge spent around six months in the country after graduating from St Andrews in Scotland. “I happen to know that, when he finishes at St Andrews University, he is coming to Wales for at least six months, to learn the language. He wants to learn that in preparation for the days when he of course also becomes Prince of Wales,” royal biographer Brian Hoey shared with the publication ahead of his arrival.



It’s unclear whether or not Prince William actually made his way to Wales for half a year after graduation, however, the future Prince of Wales did start learning the language at a young age. According to the BBC’s report, Prince William started learning Welsh at Eton in 1999. Prince Charles was allegedly “anxious” for Prince William to become fluent in the language before crowning him Prince of Wales.



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