Here's why the German phrase is used:
* Historical Context: The feathers were adopted as a badge by the Prince of Wales in the 14th century. Edward the Black Prince, who was the first Prince of Wales to use the feathers, was also a knight of the Order of the Garter. The Order's motto is "Honi soit qui mal y pense" ("Shame on him who thinks evil of it"). This motto is in Old French, the language of chivalry at the time.
* Symbolic Significance: The feathers are associated with the story of Edward the Black Prince acquiring them after a battle in the 1346. According to legend, he plucked the feathers from a slain enemy warrior's helmet and wore them as a symbol of victory.
* "Ich Dien" - Meaning: "Ich Dien" translates to "I serve" in German. This motto was adopted by the Prince of Wales as a reminder of his duty to serve the Crown and his people. The choice of German might have been influenced by the Prince's upbringing and education, or by his desire to use a language that conveyed the same sense of duty as the Order of the Garter's motto.
While the reason for choosing German remains uncertain, it became a tradition passed down through generations of Princes of Wales. The Welsh feathers with the "Ich Dien" motto are a powerful symbol of service, honor, and loyalty, reflecting the historical and cultural significance of the Welsh Principality.