Why Queen Elizabeth II Was Advised to Keep the Windsor Name
The choice of royal names and surnames holds significant cultural and historical importance, especially within the British royal family. One of the most notable decisions involving this protocol was the choice of the house name for Queen Elizabeth II and her descendants. This decision was rooted in historical context, royal tradition, and practical considerations.
Royal House Name Changes
During World War I, the Royal House name was changed from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to Windsor. This change was made due to the war's considerable animosity towards Germany, with King George V and the British royal family seeking to emphasize their British identity.
When Prince Philip married Queen Elizabeth II, he adopted the surname of Mountbatten, a name known to be anglicized from Battenberg. Unlike other male members of the royal family who had taken the surname Windsor, Prince Philip's male children were not granted the Mountbatten name. This was due to a royal declaration made by Queen Elizabeth II in 1952.
Historical Context and Royal Traditions
The tradition of royal house names has deep historical roots. In former times, many members of the royal family had names reflecting their regions of origin, such as Schleswig-Holstein or Battenberg. Battenberg was anglicized into Mountbatten when it became a title in the royal family.
The outbreak of World War I saw King George V issue a Declaration that the royal family would be known as Windsor, to symbolize the family's British identity and loyalty to the King. This was a significant step in the evolving relationship between the royal family and the British public during a time of national crisis.
Queen Elizabeth II's Declaration
In 1952, Queen Elizabeth II issued Letters Patent to establish the royal house name as Windsor. She made the following declaration:
“I and My children shall be styled and known as the House and Family of Windsor, and that My descendants other than female descendants who marry and their descendants shall bear the Name of Windsor.”
Notably, this declaration did not apply to all descendants, especially those who were not princes or princesses, but rather those who retained the Mountbatten name. This was formalized through a new Letters Patent issued on February 8, 1960, which stated:
“And that My descendants who are not princes or princesses shall bear the Name of Mountbatten-Windsor.”
Queen Elizabeth II's decision reflected a nuanced understanding of royal tradition and practical considerations, balancing the need to maintain the family's identity with the changes brought about by modern times and World War I.
The choice of the Windsor name, while personally preferred by Queen Elizabeth II, was reinforced by a significant declaration and the support of the national identity during a period of considerable national crisis. This decision not only maintained the heritage of the British royal family but also symbolized a pivotal point in the evolution of the monarchy's relationship with the British public.