As a historian with a particular interest in the British monarchy, I often delve into the intricacies of royal lineage and the evolution of their titles. The question you've posed is a fascinating one, delving into a pivotal moment in British history that reflects the profound impact of World War I on the monarchy and the nation as a whole.

Before the name "Windsor" became synonymous with the British royal family, they were known by the name of the reigning house, which was Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. This name had been adopted by the British royal family through the marriage of Queen Victoria to Prince Albert, who was a member of the German ducal family of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. The union was not only a personal one but also a political alliance, symbolizing the close ties between Britain and Germany during the 19th century.

However, the onset of World War I in 1914 dramatically altered the political landscape and the sentiments of the British public. The war was a devastating conflict that pitted the British Empire against the German Empire, among other nations. As the war progressed, anti-German sentiment in Britain grew, fueled by the horrors of the conflict and the need for a unified national identity against a common enemy.

In the face of this rising tide of anti-German sentiment, it became increasingly apparent that the British royal family's German-sounding name was a liability. The royal family, keenly aware of the need to maintain public support and the stability of the monarchy, took decisive action. In 1917, King George V, who was the reigning monarch at the time, issued a royal proclamation that changed the family's dynastic name from the Germanic Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to the more English-sounding Windsor.

The choice of the name Windsor was a significant one. It was derived from the famous Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of the British monarchy and a symbol of British heritage and history. By choosing a name that was so closely associated with a quintessentially English landmark, the royal family aimed to reinforce their connection with the British people and their commitment to the nation.

The transition from Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to Windsor marked a new era for the British royal family. It was a clear statement of their allegiance to the British people and their desire to distance themselves from the German connection that had become so politically charged. This change was not just a matter of public relations; it was a strategic move to ensure the survival and continuity of the monarchy during a time of national crisis.

The reign of the Windsors has since been marked by significant changes in British society. The monarchy itself has evolved, adapting to the shifting expectations and norms of the 20th and 21st centuries. The royal family has faced numerous challenges and controversies, but the name Windsor has endured, remaining a symbol of the British monarchy's resilience and its deep-rooted connection to the country it represents.

In conclusion, the name change from Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to Windsor in 1917 was a pivotal moment in the history of the British royal family. It was a response to the anti-German sentiment that swept through Britain during World War I and a strategic move to secure the future of the monarchy. The name Windsor, with its strong ties to British history and culture, has since become a symbol of the royal family's commitment to the nation and its people.

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The name was changed from Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to the English Windsor in 1917 because of anti-German sentiment in the British Empire during World War I. During the reign of the Windsors, major changes took place in British society.read more >>