Sage-Tips

How do British monarchs choose their names?

Just as children can take their surnames from their father, so sovereigns normally take the name of their ‘House’ from their father. For this reason, Queen Victoria’s eldest son Edward VII belonged to the House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (the family name of his father Prince Albert).

Why do royals have multiple titles?

In the institution of the British royal family, members have multiple official titles by which they are known. By law, grandchildren born of sons of the reigning monarch are automatically given a title of prince and princess, but beyond that a title is granted by courtesy – often there are customs upheld in doing so.

Why are British names so long?

In British tradition, a double surname is heritable, and mostly taken in order to preserve a family name that would have become extinct due to the absence of male descendants bearing the name, connected to the inheritance of a family estate. Examples include Harding-Rolls and Stopford Sackville.

Why did Edward VIII have so many names?

Edward VIII, who reigned less than a year, had seven names — Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David. Tradition and heritage are very important for royals, so they tend to get their names from ancestors — and which ancestors they’re named after can be significant.

How many middle names do royals have?

While some royals have two (or more) middle names, the same can’t be said for people like Kate Middleton, who have only one.

Why do British have two middle names?

Traditionally, the British upper class has used multiple names to indicate family connections, even going so far as changing surnames to reflect these bonds. In France, it is normal for citizens to have multiple middle names, though all names except the surname are referred to as “first names” on official documents.

What was Prince Davids real name?

Edward VIII (born Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David, 23 June 1894 – 28 May 1972) was King of the United Kingdom, from 20 January 1936 until 11 December 1936.

What surname did the queen take?

Windsor
Queen Elizabeth’s Early Years Queen Elizabeth was born on April 21, 1926. Her full name at birth was Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, and she was born of the royal House of Windsor. Therefore, Queen Elizabeth’s last name is Windsor. She married on November 20, 1947 to a man whose name was Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten.