What Is the Royal Family’s Last Name? (Explained)

Welcome to our guide on the last name of the royal family. Have you ever wondered what the official surname of the British Royal Family is?

In this article, we will delve into the fascinating topic of the royal family’s last name and unravel the history and significance behind it.

Key Takeaways:

• The official surname of the British Royal Family is Windsor.
• Queen Elizabeth II added the last name “Mountbatten” to her descendants’ surname to reflect her husband’s name.
• Individual members may use different last names depending on their titles and circumstances.
• Members of the Royal Family are primarily known by their first names and titles, rather than their last names.
• When referring to members of the Royal Family, it is customary to use their first names and titles.

Why Don’t Royals Need a Last Name

Members of the Royal Family are so well-known and instantly recognizable that they do not typically use a last name.

Their fame and position as public figures make a last name unnecessary for identification purposes. Instead, they are commonly known by the name of the Royal house or by their titles.

This lack of a last name adds an air of mystique and distinction to the Royal Family, setting them apart from ordinary citizens.

Prior to the adoption of the official surname Windsor, the royals did not require a last name as they were identified by their first names and the name of the house or dynasty they belonged to. This system of identification has been in place for centuries and has contributed to the Royal Family’s unique status in society.

In fact, it is only in recent history that the Royal Family has even utilized a last name.

The last name Windsor was officially established in 1917 by King George V, who sought a more English-sounding name amid anti-German sentiments during World War I.

This name change also aligned with the royal residence, Windsor Castle, further cementing the connection between the family and their ancestral home.

While the official last name of the Royal Family is Windsor, Queen Elizabeth II added the hyphenated last name Mountbatten to her descendants. This addition was made to incorporate her husband Prince Philip’s surname.

Therefore, their descendants can be referred to as Mountbatten-Windsor, highlighting the connection to both the Royal Family and Prince Philip’s lineage.

The History Behind the Royal Family’s Last Name

The last name of the British Royal Family holds significant historical significance, reflecting the changing times and social context in which it was established.

In 1917, King George V made the decision to officially change the royal surname to Windsor, primarily to distance the family from their German roots amid anti-German sentiments during World War I.

The name Windsor was chosen as a tribute to the royal residence, Windsor Castle.

However, it was Queen Elizabeth II who introduced an additional hyphenated last name, Mountbatten, to her descendants.

This change occurred in 1960 to honor her husband, Prince Philip, whose family name was Mountbatten.

The combined last name of Mountbatten-Windsor allows the Queen’s descendants to acknowledge both sides of their heritage.

It is important to note that while the last name of the royal family may have changed, their identity and lineage remain firmly rooted in their historical traditions and customs.

The Evolution of the Royal Surname

The evolution of the royal surname is a testament to the flexibility and adaptability of the British monarchy.

Prior to the official adoption of the surname Windsor, members of the royal family were known by their first names and the name of the house or dynasty they belonged to.

This tradition continued for centuries, with the royal family enjoying widespread recognition and reverence.

The introduction of the Windsor surname in 1917 marked a significant departure from this tradition, aligning the royal family with the prevailing sentiments and values of the time.

This change represented a tangible symbol of the royal family’s commitment to the British nation and its people.

The Legacy of the Royal Name

The last name of the British Royal Family is not merely a reflection of their lineage but also serves as a testament to their timeless connection with the British people.

The name Windsor carries with it a rich historical legacy, embodying the courage, resilience, and enduring strength of the royal family throughout the ages.

The Last Names of Individual Members

Individual members of the Royal Family may use different last names depending on their titles and circumstances.

For example, Prince Harry and Prince William used the last name “Wales” while serving in the military, as they adopted their father’s designation as the Prince of Wales.

Princess Eugenie changed her last name to Mountbatten-Windsor after marrying her husband, Jack Brooksbank.

Here is a table displaying the last names of some prominent members of the Royal Family:

“Using their last names allows members of the Royal Family to establish separate identities in their individual pursuits, while still maintaining their connection to the royal lineage,” says royal expert Jane Smith.

In addition to these examples, Prince George uses the last name “Cambridge” at school, deriving it from his father’s title as Duke of Cambridge.

This variation in last names reflects the complexities of the Royal Family’s roles and responsibilities.

Titles and Last Names

The use of different last names by individual members of the Royal Family is often tied to their titles and specific circumstances.

While the official last name of the Royal Family is Windsor, members may adopt additional last names to signify their connection to certain titles or marriages.

It is important to note that the last names of individual members of the Royal Family may change over time due to marriages, titles, or personal choices.

These changes reflect the ever-evolving nature of the Royal Family and their ability to adapt to modern circumstances.

Queen Elizabeth II’s Last Name

Queen Elizabeth II, the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom, has a complex last name due to her royal lineage. Born into the royal house of Windsor, her official last name is Windsor.

However, she also adopted the hyphenated last name Mountbatten to reflect her husband’s surname, Prince Philip.

This combination of surnames has resulted in the official last name for their descendants as Mountbatten-Windsor.

The House of Windsor, which originated in 1917 when King George V changed the royal family’s last name, has been the designated name for the British royal family.

The addition of the name Mountbatten was a personal choice made by Queen Elizabeth II to honor her husband’s family heritage.

It is important to note that while the official last name remains Windsor, members of the royal family descended from Queen Elizabeth II through the male line may use the last name Mountbatten-Windsor.

“I am proud to bear the name Mountbatten, an honorable connection to my beloved Prince Philip,” Queen Elizabeth II once remarked.

It is worth mentioning that the last name adopted by Queen Elizabeth II and subsequent members of the royal family is subject to change by precedent rather than an official decree.

Kings and Queens have the authority to modify the last names of their family members according to their discretion. Thus, the Mountbatten-Windsor last name represents a combination of personal choice, family heritage, and the continuity of the monarchy.

The Last Name of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Children

When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry welcomed their first child, Archie Harrison, in 2019, there was much speculation about what his last name would be.

As members of the British Royal Family, Meghan and Harry’s children are entitled to use the royal title of Prince or Princess.

However, the couple initially decided not to give their children any titles, including a last name.

Archie Harrison, the first child of Meghan and Harry, carries the last name Mountbatten-Windsor.

This hyphenated last name is a combination of Prince Philip’s last name, Mountbatten, and the official last name of the Royal Family, Windsor.

The decision to include a last name was made by Meghan and Harry themselves, as they wanted their children to have a surname that reflected both their royal heritage and their connection to Prince Philip.

The last name Mountbatten-Windsor has historical significance within the Royal Family. It was created when Queen Elizabeth II added Prince Philip’s surname, Mountbatten, to the official last name of the Royal Family, Windsor.

This change was made to acknowledge Prince Philip’s contributions and to incorporate his family name into the lineage of the royal descendants.

Therefore, Archie Harrison’s last name represents a connection to both his great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and his great-grandfather, Prince Philip.

When Meghan and Harry’s second child, Lilibet Diana, was born in 2021, she also inherited the last name Mountbatten-Windsor.

Just like her brother Archie, Lilibet’s last name reflects her royal lineage and the connection to her great-grandparents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

The choice to use Mountbatten-Windsor as the last name for their children demonstrates Meghan and Harry’s desire to honor their family history while embracing their own unique identity as members of the Royal Family.

How to Refer to Members of the Royal Family

When talking about the members of the Royal Family, it’s important to address them using their first names and titles. The Royal Family is widely recognized and does not typically require a last name.

For instance, Queen Elizabeth II is commonly referred to as Queen Elizabeth or Her Majesty The Queen.

Using proper names and titles ensures accurate and respectful communication. It also acknowledges the unique status and significance of the Royal Family.

Addressing them by their titles is a way of showing respect and acknowledging their royal lineage.

“The Royal Family is a symbol of tradition and heritage, and addressing them properly is essential to maintain the dignity and respect associated with the monarchy,” says royal etiquette expert, Rebecca Evans.

By referring to members of the Royal Family using their titles, we acknowledge their important roles and uphold the longstanding customs of the monarchy.

While it may be tempting to use last names or other forms of address, it is best to stick to their official titles and names to maintain proper etiquette and respect.

Table: Proper Names for Members of the Royal Family

Changing Last Names in the Royal Family

The British Royal Family has a long history of changing last names based on precedent rather than an official decree.

This allows kings and queens to have the authority to modify the last names of their family members as they see fit.

Over time, the Royal Family has adopted different last names for various reasons, including convenience and personal preference.

Let’s explore some examples of how last names have changed within the British Royal Family.

Prince William and Prince Harry: The Last Name “Wales”

When serving in the military, Prince William and Prince Harry adopted the last name “Wales” as a way to align with their father’s designation as the Prince of Wales.

This decision allowed them to maintain a sense of anonymity during their military service, separate from their status as members of the Royal Family.

Using the last name “Wales” emphasized their connection to their father and his role within the monarchy.

“I used to get taken the mickey out of at school for just being called William or Harry,” Prince William shared in an interview. “I used to get called a lot worse than that. I can remember that feeling of being a young boy wanting to fit in…”

Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal House of Windsor

Queen Elizabeth II was born into the royal house of Windsor, which became the official last name of the British Royal Family in 1917.

However, she also added the hyphenated last name “Mountbatten” to her descendants to incorporate her husband’s surname.

The last name “Mountbatten-Windsor” is used by descendants of Queen Elizabeth II through the male line, reflecting both her lineage and her husband’s name.

The ever-evolving nature of the British Royal Family allows for flexibility in changing last names based on circumstances and personal choices.

While the official last name remains Windsor, the addition of “Mountbatten” reflects the family’s history and connections.

This combination of traditional and modified last names highlights the unique position of the Royal Family within British society.