The Cornish people are to be recognised as a national minority under a European convention, the British government announced Thursday.
They will now be classified under the Council of Europe`s Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities along with the Scots, Welsh and Irish.
"Cornish people have a proud history and a distinct identity," said Treasury Chief Secretary Danny Alexander, the number two in the finance ministry.
"I am delighted that we have been able to officially recognise this and afford the Cornish people the same status as other minorities in the UK.
"Today`s announcement builds on the government`s continued commitment to Cornwall and the Cornish language."
The status means public bodies will have to take into account Cornwall`s views when making decisions. It does not attract extra funding.
The Council of Europe`s framework convention does not contain a definition of a "national minority" because European nations cannot agree on what one is. Instead, it is down to each member`s interpretation.
However, in choosing them, "their decision must be based on objective criteria connected with their identity, such as their religion, language, traditions and cultural heritage".
The county of Cornwall forms the southwest tip of England. It is called Kernow in Cornish, a Celtic language closely related to the Breton spoken on the other side of the English Channel in Brittany, northwest France.
Home to around half a million people, Cornwall was was historically reliant on tin mining and fishing. Its rugged coastline and beaches, plus the Eden Project eco-attraction, make tourism an important industry.
Its culinary delights include clotted cream, pasties, fudge and ice cream.
Prince Charles is the Duke of Cornwall, a title held by the eldest living son of the monarch who is also heir apparent to the British throne.
The convention`s broad aims are to ensure that states respect the rights of national minorities, promoting equality, developing culture and identity, and guaranteeing freedoms with regard to minority languages and education.
Dick Cole, leader of Cornish independence party Mebyon Kernow, said: "This is a fantastic development.
"A lot of people have been working for many years to get Cornwall the recognition other Celtic people of the UK already receive.
"The detail is still to come out on what this might mean, but make no mistake that this is a proud day for Cornwall."
National identities in the United Kingdom are a major issue this year, with Scotland due to hold an independence referendum in September.
