The royal surname of the British royal family: Windsor or Mountbatten?
The Royal Surname of the British Royal Family: Windsor or Mountbatten?
For centuries, the British Royal Family has been an integral part of the history of the United Kingdom. With over 1,000 years of history, the Royal Family has seen a lot of changes, including changes to their surnames. In this article, we will explore the debate surrounding the royal surname of the British Royal Family, specifically whether they should be known as the Windsor or the Mountbatten.
The Origin of the Name Windsor
The name Windsor has been associated with the British Royal Family since 1917. Prior to this, the Royal Family's surname was Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, which was a German name. However, during World War I, anti-German sentiment was running high in Britain, and King George V decided to change the name of the Royal Family to something more English-sounding. The name Windsor was eventually chosen, after the Royal Family's ancestral home, Windsor Castle.
For almost 100 years, the Royal Family has been known by the name Windsor. However, in recent years, there has been some debate over whether this name is truly appropriate for the Royal Family.
The Name Mountbatten
The name Mountbatten has been associated with the Royal Family since the early 20th century. The first member of the Royal Family to bear this name was Prince Louis of Battenberg, who was the grandfather of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. In 1917, Prince Louis changed his name to Louis Mountbatten, after he and his family were subjected to anti-German sentiment during World War I.
Prince Philip also took the name Mountbatten when he became a naturalized British subject in 1947, before marrying Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II) the following year. The couple's children, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward, were all given the surname Mountbatten-Windsor, which is a combination of the surnames of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II.
The Debate
The debate over the royal surname comes down to two different schools of thought. Some believe that the Royal Family should continue to be known as the Windsors, as this name has a long history and is associated with one of the most famous castles in the world. Others, however, feel that the Mountbatten surname is more appropriate, as it is a combination of both Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II's surnames, and it is a more recent name than Windsor.
Those who support the Mountbatten surname argue that it is more inclusive, as it incorporates both the Queen's and her husband's surnames. Additionally, it is argued that the Mountbatten name is more modern, and thus more fitting for a Royal Family that is trying to remain relevant in the 21st century. Supporters of the Windsor surname, on the other hand, point to the long history of the name and the fact that it is associated with one of the most iconic symbols of British royalty.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the debate over the royal surname of the British Royal Family is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon. Both the Windsor and Mountbatten names have been associated with the Royal Family for a long time, and both have their merits. It remains to be seen which name will ultimately come out on top, but for now, both names will continue to be used interchangeably by members of the Royal Family, depending on their personal preference.
- The Royal Family's surname was changed to Windsor in 1917
- The name Mountbatten has been associated with the Royal Family since the early 20th century
- Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II's children have the surname Mountbatten-Windsor
- Supporters of the Mountbatten surname argue it is more modern and inclusive
- Supporters of the Windsor surname point to its long history and iconic status
In the end, it will be up to future generations of the Royal Family to decide which name to use. As the Royal Family continues to evolve and adapt to changing times, it is likely that their surname will continue to be a topic of debate for many years to come.