The Complex Journey of the Royal House Name: Mountbatten-Windsor

Introduction

The British Royal Family has a rich and complex history, with its house names evolving over time to reflect changing political and societal contexts. One of the most significant changes was the adoption of the name Mountbatten-Windsor, a combination of two previously separate surnames. This article explores the reasons behind this change and the context in which it occurred.

The Change from Windsor to Mountbatten-Windsor

One of the reasons for the change in the Royal family's last name was the desire to incorporate a new name that was seen as less German during the period of anti-German sentiment. Queen Elizabeth II, in a decree made in 1960, decided to combine the surnames of Windsor and Mountbatten to honor her husband, Prince Philip, whose surname was Mountbatten. Prior to this, the family had been simply known as Windsor, chosen by King George V in 1917, following the First World War.

The Evolution of the Royal House Name

Before the name Windsor, the British Royal Family used the name Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, which was adopted when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840. Saxe-Coburg-Gotha was considered too German, given the ongoing conflict with Germany during the First World War. In 1917, King George V changed the family name to Windsor to reduce concerns over its German origins.

The Specific Context of 1960

The change in 1960, when Prince Andrew was born, was a response to a question of legitimacy. Prince Andrew was the first child born to a reigning queen since Queen Victoria, and there was a need to ensure that the royal name remained consistent and royal. The government and Queen Elizabeth decided to add the surname Mountbatten to Windsor, choosing to keep the Windsor name as the surname of the throne. This move was also intended to prevent Prince Philip's uncle from claiming a name change for the Royal house.

The Significance of the Name Mountbatten

Prince Philip's father, Prince Andrew of Greece, took the name Mountbatten-Windsor, which honored Queen Elizabeth II's husband while maintaining the Windsor name for the throne. The name Mountbatten was significant not only as a mark of respect to Prince Philip but also as a symbol of the family's commitment to aligning with the British identity rather than the German one.

Understanding the Name Battenberg

Interestingly, before the name changed to Mountbatten, it was initially Battenberg. The name Battenberg, however, had become problematic during the First World War, as it sounded too German and associated with the enemy. These contextual factors led to the decision to change the name, and thus, Mountbatten was deemed more suitable as it was less likely to be perceived as a symbol of Germany.

Conclusion

The decision to make the Royal family's house name Mountbatten-Windsor was a strategic and symbolic move that reflected the changing times and the desire to align with British national identity. From the First World War to the dissolution of the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, and the adoption of Windsor and finally Mountbatten-Windsor, the Royal family shows a deep understanding of the importance of name and identity in shaping their public image and legitimacy.