What Is the Royal Family's German Surname? Discover Saxe-Coburg and Gotha

Learn about the royal family's German surname and the history behind the name change to Windsor during WWI.

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The royal family's real German surname is Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. However, during World War I, they changed it to Windsor in 1917 to distance themselves from their German roots and to reflect their British identity.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Why did the royal family change their name? The royal family changed their name to Windsor in 1917 to distance themselves from their German roots amid World War I.
  2. What is the significance of the Saxe-Coburg and Gotha name? Saxe-Coburg and Gotha reflects the German ancestry of the British royal family before they adopted the Windsor name.
  3. When did the royal family adopt the surname Windsor? The surname Windsor was officially adopted in 1917 during World War I.
  4. Is the British royal family still connected to Germany? While the British royal family has German roots, they primarily identify as British following the name change to Windsor.

Watch More

If you're interested in more insights about royal lineage and historical name changes, check out our related videos on British monarchy history and significant events during World War I.

  1. What is the German Surname of the British Royal Family? Discover the origins of the British royal family's German surname and its historical context.
  2. What Was the Windsor Family's German Name? Discover the origin of the Windsor family's name and its German roots in this brief video.
  3. Why the Royal Family Changed Their Name to Windsor in 1917 Discover why the royal family changed their name to Windsor, distancing themselves from German heritage during WWI.