As a domain expert in British history, I can provide a detailed account of how the royal family came to be known as the House of Windsor. The name "Windsor" was adopted by the British royal family in 1917, during a period of significant change and turmoil in the country's history. This decision was made by King George V and was a strategic move that reflected the national sentiment and the need for a more British-sounding name for the royal family.

The origins of the name "Windsor" can be traced back to the royal residences of Windsor Castle, which has been an important symbol of the monarchy for centuries. The castle is located in the English county of Berkshire and has been used by the royal family since the time of William the Conqueror. It was King George V who decided to use this name to replace the family's previous name, which was Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.

The choice to change the name from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to Windsor was influenced by several factors. The most significant of these was the anti-German sentiment that was prevalent in Britain during World War I. The name Saxe-Coburg-Gotha was of German origin, and it was felt that it did not resonate with the British public during a time when the country was at war with Germany. The royal family was keen to show solidarity with the British people and to distance themselves from any association with the enemy.

Another factor that influenced the decision was the desire to create a sense of continuity and stability. The name Windsor was chosen because it was associated with a long and illustrious history of the British monarchy. By adopting this name, the royal family aimed to reinforce the idea that they were an integral part of the nation's history and that their role was to serve and protect the interests of the British people.

The proclamation that established the House of Windsor was made by King George V on July 17, 1917. The decision was announced in a formal statement, which read:

> "In view of the great affection which they bear towards my house, and in order to make it quite clear that in the future my house will be of pure British stock, I have decided that during this war, at any rate, the dynastic title shall be 'House of Windsor.'"

This statement made it clear that the royal family was committed to being seen as a British institution and that they were taking steps to ensure that their name reflected this commitment.

The adoption of the name Windsor was not just a symbolic gesture. It also had practical implications for the royal family. For example, it affected the way in which members of the family were referred to in official documents and public communications. It also influenced the design of the royal coat of arms and other symbols of the monarchy.

Over the years, the name Windsor has become synonymous with the British royal family. It has been used by subsequent kings and queens, including the current monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. The name has come to represent the continuity and stability of the monarchy, as well as its deep roots in British history and tradition.

In conclusion, the decision to adopt the name Windsor was a significant moment in the history of the British royal family. It was a strategic move that was driven by the need to align the royal family more closely with the British public during a time of national crisis. The name has since become an important part of the royal family's identity, symbolizing their commitment to the British people and their role as a central institution in the nation's history.

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The House of Windsor came into being in 1917, when the name was adopted as the British Royal Family's official name by a proclamation of King George V, replacing the historic name of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. It remains the family name of the current Royal Family.read more >>