Why Did the British Royal Family Change Their Last Name to Windsor?
Discover why the British royal family changed their last name during WWI and the significance of the name Windsor.
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The British royal family changed their last name to Windsor during World War I. Originally known as the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, the change was made in 1917 by King George V to dissociate from their German roots amid anti-German sentiment. The new name, Windsor, was selected after the town of Windsor and its castle, symbolizing a distinctly British identity.
FAQs & Answers
- What was the original last name of the British royal family? The original last name was House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
- When did the royal family start using the name Windsor? The royal family adopted the name Windsor in 1917.
- Why did King George V change the royal family name? King George V changed the name to dissociate from their German roots during World War I.
- What does the name Windsor symbolize? The name Windsor symbolizes a distinctly British identity and is associated with Windsor Castle.