Iconic bridge to be re-named as tribute to Queen's oldest son

LONDON, April 5 (Xinhua) -- One of the most iconic structures in Wales, a high level bridge road crossing the Severn Channel, is to be renamed as the Prince of Wales Bridge, it was announced Thursday.

Queen Elizabeth has agreed to allow what is known as the Second Severn Crossing to be renamed as a tribute to her son Prince Charles, who is heir to the British throne.

The renaming will be marked by a ceremony in Wales later this year and comes 60 years after Charles was installed, at the age of 9, as the Prince of Wales.

That ceremony came at the conclusion of what was then called the Empire and Commonwealth Games of 1958 in Cardiff, the Welsh capital city.

The Prince of Wales is in Australia this week to represent the Queen, to officially open the current Commonwealth Games.

Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns said the announcement is a fitting tribute to the Prince as he marks 60 years as The Prince of Wales.

"Renaming one of the most iconic landmarks in Wales is a fitting way to formally recognise his commitment and dedication to Wales and the UK as the Prince of Wales," said Cairns.

Tolls on the bridge are to be abolished later this year in a move expected to give the Welsh economy a multi-million dollar boost.

Scrapping the tolls will drive the biggest economic stimulus Wales has seen in decades and create economic growth in a corridor spanning Cardiff through Newport to Bristol, the Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling said in a statement welcoming the name change. Enditem