"We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.
"But for now, I send my thanks and warmest good wishes to you all."
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HRH Charles Investiture Speech 1969 Caernarvon Castle Wales
The words of your address have certainly touched me deeply and I can assure you I have taken note of the hopes expressed in them.
It is, indeed, my firm intention to associate myself in word and deed with as much of the life of the Principality as possible-and what a Principality!
It is with a certain sense of pride and emotion that I have received these symbols of office, here in this magnificent fortress, where no-one could fail to be stirred by its atmosphere of time-worn grandeur, nor where I myself could be unaware of the long history of Wales in its determination to remain individual and to guard its own particular heritage.
A heritage that dates back into the mists of ancient British history, that has produced many brave men, Princes, poets, bards, scholars and more recently, great singers, a very memorable "goon" and eminent film stars.
All these people have been inspired in some way by this heritage.
Speaking for myself, as a result of my two-month stay in this country, I have come to see far more in the title I hold than hitherto.
I am more than grateful to the people of this Principality for making my brief stay so immensely worthwhile and for giving me such encouragement in the learning of the language.
The demands on a Prince of Wales have altered, but I am determined to serve and to try as best I can to live up to those demands, whatever they might be in the rather uncertain future.
One thing I am clear about and it is that Wales needs to look forward without forsaking the traditions and essential aspects of her past.
The past can be just as much a stimulus to the future as anything else. By the affirmation of your loyalty today for which I express my gratitude, this will not simply be a faint hope.
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