As an expert in the field of British royal history and traditions, I can provide you with a detailed answer to your question regarding the use of surnames by the British royal family.
The British royal family, like many other aspects of the monarchy, has a unique relationship with surnames. Traditionally, members of the royal family did not use surnames in the same way that commoners did. This was because their status and identity were already well-established through their titles and roles within the royal household.
However, there have been instances where the royal family has adopted surnames for various reasons. One of the most notable examples is the decision made by King George V in 1917. During the First World War, anti-German sentiment was high in Britain, and as a result, King George V decided to change the house name from the German-sounding "Saxe-Coburg and Gotha" to the more British "Windsor." This was a significant move that helped to distance the royal family from their German roots and align them more closely with the British people.
Fast forward to the present day, and the situation regarding royal surnames has evolved. The current British royal family, headed by Queen Elizabeth II, is known as the House of Windsor. However, when it comes to surnames, the royals still do not use them in the traditional sense. Instead, they often use their titles or territorial designations as a form of identification.
For example, when Prince William and Prince Harry were born, they were given the surname "Wales," which is derived from their father's title as Prince of Wales. Similarly, their children are known by the title "Cambridge," which is a nod to their father's title as Duke of Cambridge. This practice of using territorial designations as surnames is common among members of the royal family who hold such titles.
It's also worth noting that the royal family has a recognized surname for official purposes. In 1960, Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, decided that their male-line descendants who are not styled as Royal Highness or titled as a prince or princess would carry the surname Mountbatten-Windsor. This is a combination of Prince Philip's family name, Mountbatten, and the royal house name, Windsor. So, while the royals may not use this surname in their everyday lives, it is recognized as their official surname for legal and other formal situations.
In conclusion, the British royal family has a complex and unique relationship with surnames. While they do not use them in the same way that most people do, they have adopted and adapted various forms of identification over the years to suit their needs and the changing social and political landscape. The use of territorial designations as surnames and the official recognition of Mountbatten-Windsor as a surname for certain members of the royal family are just a few examples of how the royals navigate this unique aspect of their identity.
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Senior titled members of the royal family do not usually use a surname, although since 1960 Mountbatten-Windsor, incorporating Prince Philip's adopted surname of Mountbatten, has been prescribed as a surname for Elizabeth II's direct descendants who do not have royal styles and titles, and it has sometimes been used ...read more >>