The British Royal Family has held on to a number of unusual traditions over the centuries. One of these traditions is the ability for a monarch to choose a different regnal name when they ascend the throne.
There is a precedent in the Royal Family of choosing a different name from your own to reign under.
For example, the Queen’s father King George VI actually had the first name of Albert, and was known affectionately by family as “Bertie”.
While it is not uncommon for monarchs to change their names at their coronation, some have decided not to follow suit.
The current Queen Elizabeth II was born as Elizabeth, and decided her actual name was regal enough.
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“King Edward VIII also chose Edward as his regnal title, although he was known to his family and friends as David.
“Prince Charles’s Christian names are Charles Philip Arthur George.
“Instead of becoming King Charles he might choose to become King George VII, or King Philip, or King Arthur.”
It has been suggested Charles may want to change his name due to its association with King Charles I and King Charles II, who both held turbulent reigns in British history.
Whether Prince Charles does decide to change his name will be a matter for his coronation, but he will have the option.
Some older reports have suggested Charles would opt for the name George, with its strong links to past members of the Royal Family.
Former Buckingham Palace press spokesman Dickie Arbiter told the BBC in 2005 that by using the name George, Charles would be paying tribute to both his grandparents, King George VI and the Queen Mother.
He said: “It would not just be a tribute to his grandfather, but a sort of loving memory to his late grandmother, whom he absolutely adored.
“When she died in 2002, he was absolutely devastated.”
Any announcement of a different regnal name would not be made until Charles’ coronation.
