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.

420 views

The royal family changed their name to Windsor in 1917 to distance themselves from their German heritage during World War I. The original name, Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, was deemed too Germanic, and Windsor was chosen for its strong association with British history.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What was the original name of the British royal family? The original name of the British royal family was Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
  2. Why did the royal family want to distance themselves from Germany? They wanted to distance themselves from Germany due to the negative connotations associated with their German heritage during World War I.
  3. What year did the royal family change their name? The royal family changed their name to Windsor in 1917.
  4. How does the name Windsor relate to British history? Windsor is associated with British history due to Windsor Castle, a long-standing royal residence.

Watch More

For a deeper understanding of the British monarchy, explore our content on significant royal family events and how they shaped modern Britain.

  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.