A CEREMONIAL gown worn by the grandson of former Prime Minister David Lloyd George during the 1969 investiture of Prince Charles has been discovered at an antiques roadshow in Pembrokeshire.

The gown, worn by Owen Lloyd George, 3rd Earl Lloyd George of Dwyfor, was found alongside his original invitation from Queen Elizabeth II to take part in the historic ceremony at Caernarfon Castle.

The items were brought to a WeBuyVintage roadshow in Saundersfoot by a member of the public who had acquired them after they were removed from Ffynone House, near Boncath, the Earl’s former Pembrokeshire country seat.

The Earl, who lived from 1924 to 2010, was the grandson of David Lloyd George, Britain’s wartime Prime Minister. He was given a prominent role at the investiture on July 1, 1969, carrying the ceremonial sword during the nationally televised event.

The red ceremonial gown bears the Earl’s name on a label inside and is believed to have been made especially for him for the ceremony. It was kept at Ffynone House for decades.

The current owner said she rescued the items in 2021 after seeing possessions from the house being advertised for sale.

She said: “The owner explained that many historic possessions connected to the Lloyd George family were likely to be discarded following the sale of the house and its contents.

“I felt I could not let that happen with the gown and the letter, as these felt like genuine pieces of Welsh history and I wanted to make sure they were preserved.”

Antiques specialist Neil Church, of WeBuyVintage, said the discovery was immediately significant.

He said: “Every so often, something comes through the door that truly stops you in your tracks, and this was one of those moments.

“Far more than an old ceremonial garment, it was a remarkable discovery directly connected to one of the most significant royal and historic moments in modern Welsh history, the investiture of the now King Charles.

“What made it especially fascinating was its provenance, tracing it back to the grandson of the former Prime Minister of Britain and the family’s historic country seat, Ffynone House.

“While we valued it at around £600, its historical significance reaches far beyond its monetary worth.”

The gown and invitation are now being described as a rare surviving piece of Welsh and royal ceremonial history, rediscovered in west Wales more than half a century after they were used at Caernarfon Castle.

Photo caption: Historic find: The ceremonial gown worn by Earl Lloyd George of Dwyfor at the 1969 investiture of Prince Charles was discovered at a Saundersfoot antiques roadshow (Pic: WeBuyVintage).

Community spirit shines across Haverfordwest with museum displays, breakfasts, workshops and school sleep-out

THE VC GALLERY enjoyed one of its busiest Saturdays of the year as staff, volunteers, veterans and supporters spread across Haverfordwest for a packed day of community events.

From military artefacts at Pembrokeshire College to a riverside art exhibition, a veterans’ breakfast and a charity sleep-out involving local pupils, the veteran-led charity was at the centre of activity across the county town.

At Pembrokeshire College, the charity’s popular “Speak to a Veteran” initiative proved a success, with the VC mobile museum drawing attention from students and visitors alike. A range of military artefacts on display sparked conversations and helped veterans share stories and experiences with members of the public.

Meanwhile, the Pembrokeshire Veterans Breakfast at Waldo Lounge saw the VC minibus deployed to help bring people together, with staff at the restaurant praised for making attendees feel welcome.

The charity thanked Myles for driving and Gareth for helping organise the event.

On the riverside in Haverfordwest, the VC Gallery showcased artwork at its new gallery space, where RAF veteran Mark hosted members of the public throughout the day.

Back at Waldo Lounge, Charles, Donna, Phil, Rose, Lucy, Nia and the wider VC team kept busy with duck sales and jewellery workshops as families gathered for the afternoon activities. Pembrokeshire’s Armed Forces Liaison Officer, Hayley, was also among those lending support.

As day turned to night, pupils from Haverfordwest High VC School took part in a sponsored sleep-out to raise money for the charity, hearing first-hand about homelessness from veteran Pete.

The event saw pupils spending the night outdoors alongside former military personnel to better understand the realities faced by some ex-service men and women.

The day also included the Waldo duck race on the river, helping round off what the charity described as “an amazing community” effort.

Photo caption: Busy day: VC Gallery teams, veterans and supporters took part in events across Haverfordwest on Saturday, including museum displays, breakfasts, workshops and a charity sleep-out (Pic: VC Gallery).

Mayor presents prizes as funds raised set to support cadets and veterans

MILFORD HAVEN GOLF CLUB has raised money for local armed forces causes after holding its annual Armed Forces Charity Golf Day on Friday (Jun 12).

The event, organised in support of the armed forces community, saw golfers come together for a day of competition and fundraising, with proceeds set to benefit local military-linked organisations.

Milford Haven Golf Club thanked the Mayor of Milford Haven, Mark Woodward, for attending the presentation ceremony and handing out prizes to participants following the tournament.

Money raised during the event will be shared between local Cadet Corps groups and the Milford Haven Veterans Fund, helping to support young people involved in cadet training and veterans in the community.

Organisers said the annual event continues to be an important date in the club’s calendar, bringing together members, supporters and veterans while raising funds for worthwhile causes linked to the armed forces.

A photograph released following the event showed prize winners and organisers alongside Mayor Mark Woodward during the presentation at the golf club.

Photo caption:

Charity golf day: Prize winners pictured with Milford Haven Mayor Mark Woodward at Milford Haven Golf Club’s Armed Forces Charity Golf Day on Friday (Pic: Milford Haven Golf Club).