Prince George could make huge change to his name - but only when he becomes King

20 September 2023 , 06:00

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Prince George could make huge change to his name - but only when he becomes King

The art of naming a new royal baby is incredibly delicate, especially if that baby is destined to one day be King or Queen.

Almost every royal name has at least one, if not more, links to previous royals. Whether it is William, George, Charles or Elizabeth, it is important that there are no overriding historical associations which will affect their future or draw negative comparisons.

It is this reason that has prompted many former rulers to change the name they use when they are crowned - otherwise known as their regnal name. And, while it is unlikely, it is an option that would be open to Prince George when his time on the throne comes.

Prince George could change his name one day (Getty Images)

Many names associated with the royal family have been tainted with bad luck and will likely not be used for any future ruler. The best example of this is the name Richard. King Richard I (better known as Richard the Lionheart) was killed in battle, the second was deposed and Richard III is still linked to the disappearance of his nephews and was murdered at the Battle of Bosworth.

The idea is also applicable to the name Charles - with many expecting the King to choose one of his middle names when he acceded a little over a year ago. For such a popular name, it is surprising that there had only been two kings with the name before King Charles III - but to say they both had eventful reigns would be an understatement.

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Some expected the King to choose one of his middle names (2023 Max Mumby/Indigo)

Charles I is best remembered for being overthrown by Oliver Cromwell after his defeat at the English Civil War in 1645. He also had a bad personal reputation because he was a staunch believer in the Divine Right of Kings, which meant he thought his right to rule came from God and he wasn’t answerable to Parliament.

The King was imprisoned by Cromwell and was beheaded outside the Palace of Whitehall in 1649. Charles I’s son, Charles II, was brought back from exile when the monarchy was restored in 1660 and was very popular. But his reign was considered as equally as unlucky as his father’s because he was unable to have a legitimate heir and both the Great Plague in 1665 and the Great Fire of London in 1666 took place during his time on the throne.

King George VI was born Prince Albert (Mondadori via Getty Images)

Several famous monarchs have previously chosen to take a different regnal name to their real name. Queen Victoria was born as Princess Alexandrina but took the name Victoria as it was thought Alexandrina sounded too foreign to be the name of a British queen. The late Queen’s father also took a different regnal name. He was born as Prince Albert Frederick Arthur George on December 14, 1895.

Upon the abdication of his elder brother, King Edward VIII, Prince Albert took the name George and became King George VI. It was seen as a display of stability and a continuation from his father, King George V. As the idea of changing their names may appear confusing in the digital age, it is very likely that Prince William will be styled as King William V when he succeeds his father, and Prince George will one day be known as King George VII.

Rebecca Russell