Prince Charles might change his first name if he becomes King

By Josephine Parsons|

'King Charles' doesn't have the best reputation.

Prince Charles might have to drop the 'Charles' if he is made King – well, he'd also drop the 'Prince' come to think of it. Essentially, the heir to the throne will be nearly unrecognisable on paper if handed the crown.

Charles is currently the longest-serving heir apparent to the throne. And having waited 65 years to be King means he has probably had a long, hard think about the kind of ruler he'd like to be.


One of the most important things he has to consider is what he'd like to be called. While King Charles III would be the most obvious choice, it's a name that comes with quite a bit of baggage.

King Charles I remains the only British ruler to be publicly executed. His son, King Charles II is infamous for his adulterous affairs and for ruling during the time of the plague. Not such a good reputation for a namesake.

But even if Charles does want to opt for another name, he'd be in good company. 

Queen Victoria changed her first name too. The monarch was named 'Alexandrina' at birth but changed it to her middle name when she was sworn in, making her Queen Victoria. Charles' grandfather, King George VI, did the same. He was born with the first name Albert, and was known in the Palace as 'Bertie'.

Seeing as Charles was born Charles Philip Arthur George, there has been speculation that the Prince of Wales would pay tribute to his grandfather by being known as King George VII.


Former Buckingham Palace spokesperson Dickie Arbiter told BBC that 'George' is likely. "It would not just be a tribute to his grandfather, but a sort of loving memory to his late grandmother, whom he absolutely adored."

Responding to the speculation, Clarence House said, "No decision has been made and it will be made at the time."

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