Wales

Wales (Welsh: Cymru), officially the Principality of Wales, is an island country within the British Isles. A cultural principality, Wales is ruled by the Prince of Wales, with democratic functions that have become fused with cultural events, known as the Eisteddfod. The distinct Welsh culture evolved over centuries to be an embodiment of Celtic and Druidic tradition, which has become inseparable from the governance of the island. Other key offices of the Welsh government are the Archdruid and the Baird, who acts as head of government.

It borders the Irish Sea to the north and west, and the Severn and Humber seas to the east. As of 3025, it had a population of 3.25 million. Largely mountainous, the country falls within the northern temperate zone. It's capital, and largest city, is Caerdydd. In 3025, the Welsh government began the construction of the Llanedeyrn colony in the Doggerlands.

Prince of Wales

The title of Prince of Wales was revived in the latter party of the 28th century as resentment towards British homogeneity began to grow. As no lineage to the original Princes of Wales was possible, it was decided that the title should become an elective position, crowned by the Archdruid, and held for life. The Prince rules as the formal head of the Gorsedd, which is the Welsh government. The first elected Prince of Wales was Ewan ap Griffith. Since the investiture of Ewan ap Griffith, there have been seven Princes of Wales, and five Princesses.

As head of state, the Prince of Wales directs military and foreign policy, as well as manages the nation's colonial office. The Prince of Wales is responsible for the appointment of the Archdruid, and must be present at the annual Eisteddfod for official ceremonies. While the Prifardd (chief baird) is chaired by the Archdruid, the Prince holds weekly meetings with them, and has a constitutional right to advise and warn the Gorsedd on their domestic and cultural policies.

The current Prince of Wales is Owain Edeyrn Tudor.

Gorsedd

The Gorsedd is the government of Wales, which is classed by political scientists as a mythocracy. Cultural traditions are core to the operation of the Welsh government, with the head of government being the Prifardd, or the Chief Baird of Wales. Uniquely, the Baird is elected via a strict competition of poetry, in which candidates must present their own unique awdl, a poem in strict metre, that expresses their vision of the nation. The competition, which is chosen by the voting attendees at the Eisteddfod, constitutes the election, with the Baird assuming the high political office. The Eisteddfod is chaired by the Archdruid, who holds significant power as the arbiter of both the competition for the Baird, and the occasional election of the Prince of Wales.