Why Did the Royals Change Their Last Name to Windsor?

Discover the historical reasons behind the royal family's name change from Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to Windsor during World War I.

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The royal family changed their last name to Windsor in 1917 due to anti-German sentiment during World War I. Their original name, Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, had German origins, and adopting the name Windsor, after Windsor Castle, projected a more British identity. This name change helped maintain public support during a time of national conflict.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What prompted the royal family to change their name? The royal family changed their name in response to anti-German sentiment during World War I, aiming to strengthen their British identity.
  2. What was the original name of the British royal family? The original name of the British royal family was Saxe-Coburg and Gotha before changing to Windsor in 1917.
  3. When did the royal family change their last name to Windsor? The royal family changed their last name to Windsor in 1917.
  4. How did the name change affect public perception of the royals? The change to Windsor helped to maintain public support for the royals during World War I by projecting a more British image.