Henry, Prince of Wales

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Henry, Prince of Wales is a term which could correctly be used to describe three people called Henry who have held the title Prince of Wales. In chronological order (with dates they held the title) they were:-

• Henry V of England (1399 — 1413)
• Henry VIII of England (1502 — 1509)
• Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales (1603 — 1612)

Some people might incorrectly use this term to refer to a number of people. They are:-

• Prince Henry of Wales, second son of Charles, Prince of Wales, and currently third in line to the British throne. Though he is a prince, and "of Wales", he is not a "Prince of Wales" and is not properly referred to as such.
• Henry VI of England became king at the age of only nine months, as the title of Prince of Wales is not automatic on birth (unlike e.g. Duke of Cornwall) he was never awarded it.
• Henry VIII of England had three sons called Henry who all died soon after birth (see Henry, Duke of Cornwall) who were never Prince of Wales.
• Henry I, Henry II and Henry III reigned before the title "Prince of Wales" became used for the heir to the English throne.
• Henry IV and Henry VII were both arguably usurpers who were not the generally accepted heir before becoming king.