Alis Huws is a woman exuding warmth, happiness and a true passion for her position as the royal harpist to The Prince of Wales.

“It’s an incredible honour, but what makes it even better is the fact that the Prince’s harp is such a beautiful instrument to play,” she said.

“It’s now had a few years to mature since it was first made for him, which means it has a wonderful tone as well as some considerable power.”

When the £150,000 instrument isn't being used by Alis for her concert performances and royal household functions, the harp spends it’s time in Clarence House, which is the London residence of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

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It was donated to the Prince in 2006 by Salvi, the leading harp manufacturers who had designed the instrument specifically for the role of royal harpist.

The last person to hold this accolade was John Thomas who was royal harpist to Queen Victoria in 1871.

However Prince Charles decided to revive the tradition in 2000 as a means of fostering and encouraging young musical talent in Wales and throughout the rest of the UK and raise the profile of the harp as an instrument.

Earlier this week Alis, whose personal harp is a Lyon and Healy, performed for Prince Charles and Camilla when they welcomed guests to their Welsh farmhouse in Llwynywermod near Llandovery.

Following her performance Alis, 27, took great pride in explaining how the royal harp has been designed.

The decoration includes daffodil petals, the Welsh dragon and a double spoon which symbolizes a couple which is destined to be together forever.

The Prince’s blue sash is entwined down the harp’s column together with the inscription ‘Ich Dien’ (I serve).

The harp is made of gold leaf and  is valued at around £150,000.

South Wales Guardian: The royal harpThe royal harp

Alis Huws, who studied at the Welsh College of Music and Drama under harp teacher Caryl Thomas, is the sixth royal harpist to fulfil the role since it resumed in 2000.

“I have another three years in the Royal Household which means that I’m currently living in London but with a foot very much in both camps,” she said.

"But after being brought up in Llanfair Careinion which is just up the road in Powys, coming to play at Llwynywermod is always a great pleasure.

"It’s so good to be back once again, in the mountains of the Brecon Beacons."