Prince's Ale was brewed in 1929, (60 years after the Ratcliff Ale). The mash was started by the then Prince of Wales, Edward, later to become Edward VIII, who abdicated before his coronation could take place. This was the second Bass beer to have royal connections, King's Ale being the first.

The beer was bottled within a year of brewing, and was launched on the open market. It was sold at £5.00 a bottle throughout the UK, and was also made available in other parts of the world. There is little doubt that it was an excellent beer, although perhaps not of the calibre of Ratcliff Ale or King's Ale, because it did not sell well. Perhaps it was the price that put people off. £5 was a lot of money in those days. It was still available at the close of World War II.

Different bottle sizes exist. The most common size is the pint, and these bottles are about 10 inches tall. The quart is more rare, and stands about 12 inches tall. I understand that a magnum has been seen, but cannot substantiate that. The bottles were specially made, and embossed with the Prince of Wales' feathers and the words 'Prince's Ale'. The embossing and text on the bottles are the same regardless of whether the bottle is a pint or a quart. The labels are also identical.

These bottles were all sealed with red wax, with the Bass logo embossed onto it. Unfortunately the wax was very brittle, and it is unusual to find bottles with the wax still intact. Some bottles have been resealed by the Bass Museum. These are usually with black wax or with a black metallic capsule.

Prince's Ale is much rarer than King's Ale, but prices realised do not reflect that. Expect to pay between £40.00 and £60.00 for a pint with wax intact, and £60.00 to £80.00 for a quart.