Welsh outrage as BBC's Hazel Irvine describes their country as a PRINCIPALITY

Since Wales has a Prince it is reasonable to describe it as a principality. Since it is in many ways dependant on England, it is a stretch to call it a country

BBC presenter Hazel Irvine provoked fury last night after she referred to Wales as a principality during the Opening Ceremony of the Glasgow 2014 games.

The Scottish broadcaster made the slip up as Team Wales entered the city's Celtic Stadium during the official opening of the Commonwealth Games last night.

Her words caused fury among viewers of the event - who took to Twitter to voice their anger.

One, Meleri Thomas wrote: 'Distressing to be referred to as 'the principality' at the @thecgf opening ceremony.'

Another, Richard Davies, added: 'Bloody hell Wales is not a principality Hazel Irvine!! #BBC #Glasgow2014.'

Natalie McGarry wrote: 'Hello Wales! Wait, did she just call Wales a principality? I misheard, right.'

The term principality refers to a sovereign state whose ruling monarch is a prince or a princess with an executive role in the state. The Prince of Wales has not held such a position in the country for centuries.

The country is governed by the National Assembly for Wales and the Welsh Government - which was established as separate institutions under the Government of Wales Act 2006.

In 2011, Wales was recognised in the international community as a country following a campaign by south Wales politician Leanne Wood.

The South Wales Central AM lobbied for Wales to be given country status after an International Standards Organisation (ISO) newsletter referred to the country as a principality.

SOURCE