The Origins and Evolution of the Royal Surname: Windsor and Mountbatten-Windsor

The British Royal Family is known for its rich and complex history, with many changes and adaptations over the centuries. One such significant change is the surname adopted by Queen Elizabeth II and her descendants, combining the names Windsor and Mountbatten. This transformation, which occurred in 1960, was a response to historical events and royal tradition.

The War and the Name Change

The decision to adopt the surname Mountbatten-Windsor was closely tied to the events surrounding World War II and the anti-German sentiment that prevailed. King George V made the original decision to change the royal surname from Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to Windsor in 1917. This change was made due to the Allied countries' struggle against Germany during World War I. Although Saxe-Coburg and Gotha was a German name, it still carried the burden of its German origin, which was not desirable during a time of war.

The name Mountbatten was then added to Windsor in 1960, primarily to appease Prince Philip and ensure that the royal lineage would not overshadow his own family history. Prince Andrew, the first child born to a reigning queen since Victoria, led to questions about the legitimacy of the royal name. Queen Elizabeth II addressed this by decreeing that the royal house would be called Mountbatten-Windsor, combining both family names.

House of Windsor and Its Background

The British Royal Family became the House of Windsor during the First World War. Prior to this, they were known as the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. This name was chosen when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840. The Saxe-Coburg and Gotha name was retained until 1917 when King George V made a formal announcement to change the surname to Windsor, a name which pays homage to Windsor Castle.

Philip, Mountbatten, former prince consort, chose this name for his lineage as well, and Queen Elizabeth followed suit in 1960. The surname Mountbatten was derived from a British choleric Christian patrilineal surname. Prince Philip’s name originally was "Louis." His connection to Choleric made it easier to merge.

The Significance of the Name Change

The surname change to Mountbatten-Windsor in 1960 was not merely a symbolic act but also a practical one. It aimed to balance royal traditions and personal family affiliations. It ensured that the royal lineage acknowledged both Queen Elizabeth’s house (Windsor) and Prince Philip’s house (Mountbatten), creating a harmonious blend of the two.

Queen Elizabeth II’s wisdom in decreeing the change in 1960 reflects a deep consideration of the royal family’s complex heritage and the need to preserve family unity. This decision was a significant moment in the history of the British monarchy and has influenced the lineage of the royal family ever since.

By combining these two surnames, the royal family reinforced its ties to the British people while also honoring the contributions of Prince Philip. This dual surname serves as a reminder of the rich history and the ongoing adaptation of the British Royal Family to the changing times.