King William: Why Prince William may change his name when he becomes king
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Born William Arthur Philip Louis Windsor to Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, Prince William has been the second in line to the throne his entire life. His father is the longest-serving heir apparent, becoming the heir to the British throne when his mother became Queen in 1952. Prince Charles was just three years old when his grandfather King George VI died.
Both Prince William and his father could opt for a different name when they take the throne.
A number of kings in the past have adopted one of their middle names on ascension to the throne.
In fact, four of the past six monarchs have adopted different titles.
This includes the Queen’s father King George VI, who was christened Prince Albert and went by “Bertie”.
Prince William’s great-great uncle, who became Edward VIII, was known as David by friends, one of his given names.
However, many royal experts are in agreement William will keep his name and become King William V when he takes the throne.
If this is the case, William’s official title will likely be: “William V, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of His other Realms and Territories King, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith’, with the style of ‘Majesty.’”
But while the Duke of Cambridge could stick to his first name, there are speculations his father will opt for a different name.
Former palace spokesman Dickie Arbiter told People there is a chance Prince Charles will go by one of his other names.
He said: “It’s quite possible that he might choose one of his other names: Philip, Arthur or George.
“It’s not common, but it’s not unusual. His grandfather, King George VI, was Albert Frederick Arthur George, but he chose George in honour of his late father.”
Clarence House has previously said a choice would not be made until the coronation.
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What are Prince William’s titles now?
From his birth in 1982 until his marriage to Kate Middleton in 2011, William’s official title was His Royal Highness, Prince William of Wales.
However, when he married, the Queen granted her grandson new titles.
Prince William became the Duke of Cambridge on his wedding day.
He also received the titles Earl of Strathearn as his official style in Scotland and Baron Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland.
In addition, William is a Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter (KG), a Knight of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle (KT), a member of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom (PC), and a Personal Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the Queen.
As a Prince, William does not use a surname for everyday purposes.
For formal and ceremonial purposes before his marriage, he used his father’s territorial designation and was styled Prince William of Wales.
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