Henry II also built influence by gathering Welsh rulers at Oxford in 1177 to swear faithfulness to him. The most important was Rhys ap Gruffydd, remembered as the Lord Rhys, who ruled Deheubarth and claimed titles including prince of South Wales and prince of Wales. At the same time, Henry appointed him justiciar of South Wales, giving him an official place inside the king's system of rule. Lord Rhys had previously fought the crown but maintained good relations with Henry after 1171. His position demonstrates that royal hegemony could rest on negotiated office and mutual advantage while a Welsh ruler continued to pursue his own regional and national authority.
Notable Point · 12:24-13:08
Lord Rhys as prince and royal justiciar
Lord Rhys combined Welsh princely ambitions with service as Henry II's justiciar, illustrating negotiated royal hegemony in South Wales.