The Conquest of Wales refers to the series of military campaigns led by the English crown during the late 13th century, primarily under King Edward I. This effort aimed to bring the independent Welsh principalities under English control, culminating in the defeat of Llywelyn the Last, the last sovereign Prince of Wales, in 1282. Following the conquest, Wales was formally annexed to the English crown through the Statute of Rhuddlan in 1284. This legislation established English law in Wales and created the title of Prince of Wales, which has since been used by the heir apparent to the British throne.