Could interpret it as meaning the original form of primus civis ( princeps instead of primus depending on context, with civis pronounced something like kay-wis) “first citizen” referring to a sort of “first among equals”. Could also refer to “primus senatus”
This was then shortened to just princeps, from which we derive our term “princess” and “prince”, which was historicaly a general term for a ruler. This is why a lot of places are called “Principalities”.
The term’s usage to refer to “the one who will inherit the throne” comes from the English tradition of naming the Heir to the throne as the “prince of whales”, sort of a symbolic steppingstone before they take on the role of king. This is an aberration historically though.
Could interpret it as meaning the original form of primus civis ( princeps instead of primus depending on context, with civis pronounced something like kay-wis) “first citizen” referring to a sort of “first among equals”. Could also refer to “primus senatus”
This was then shortened to just princeps, from which we derive our term “princess” and “prince”, which was historicaly a general term for a ruler. This is why a lot of places are called “Principalities”.
The term’s usage to refer to “the one who will inherit the throne” comes from the English tradition of naming the Heir to the throne as the “prince of whales”, sort of a symbolic steppingstone before they take on the role of king. This is an aberration historically though.
That’s a lot less endearing and only a little less alluding to unjust hierarchy.