Official Harpist to the Prince of Wales


The Official Harpist to the Prince of Wales, or King's Harpist, is a position within the Royal Household of the United Kingdom.

History

The harp is an important national instrument in Wales. The role of Official Harpist had fallen out of use since it was last granted to John Thomas in 1871 by Victoria of [the United Kingdom|Queen Victoria]. But in 2000, the then Prince of Wales restored the role in order to foster and encourage young musical talent in Wales and the UK and to raise the profile of the harp as an instrument.
On 5 July 2006, the Prince of Wales was presented with a £150,000 gold leaf harp from harp maker Victor Salvi of the Italian harp makers Salvi Harps. The harp is used by the official harpist.
Following Prince Charles's accession to the throne in 2022, the role has been referred to as King's Harpist, and is currently held by Mared Pugh Evans.

List of official harpists