The weird reason Prince Charles might not be known as ‘King Charles’ when he takes the throne
Prince Charles may take on a completely different name when he becomes King due to royal protocol.
- A lesser-known royal rule allows monarchs to choose a different name for their royal moniker.
- It’s claimed that Prince Charles will likely drop his name for one of his three middle names, due to negative connotations around ‘King Charles’.
- This royal news comes after Meghan Markle’s ‘shudder-inducing’ comment before her royal wedding to Prince Harry was revealed.
Prince Charles may choose to drop his name when he becomes King, instead opting for one of his middle names.
Charles is first in the line of succession and will take the throne when the Queen dies, however, we may not know him as ‘King Charles’.
According to royal protocol, monarchs are allowed to choose any of their middle names as their royal moniker. The Queen’s eldest son has three middle names, ‘Philip Arthur George’ so could pick one of these for his reigning name.
He will not be the first royal to change his name, the Queen was also met with this choice, but decided to keep Elizabeth as her name. The Queen’s own father however chose to become King George VI after his father George V, dropping his birth name of Albert.
Charles could theoretically become ‘King Philip’, ‘King Arthur’, or ‘King George’ after his grandfather.
This seems likely as there are negative connotations around previous Kings called Charles. For example, according to the royal website, King Charles, I’s reign was fraught with controversy, as he was deeply unpopular throughout the nation, leading to several civil wars and his own beheading in 1649.
GoodtoKnow Newsletter
Parenting advice, hot topics, best buys and family finance tips delivered straight to your inbox.
This choice is something the future King will likely not be dwelling on after it’s been reported he’s ‘terrified’ of taking the throne, as it will inevitably mean the death of his mother.
He will have his wife Camilla as support, however, as the Queen has now named her Queen Consort. This means she will share in Charles’ rank and status when he becomes King.
Naomi is a Lifestyle News Writer with the Lifestyle team and has recently earned her Gold Standard Diploma in Journalism from the NCTJ. She has a background in design, having studied Illustration at Plymouth University but has taken a leap into the world of journalism after always having a passion for writing. She currently writes pieces on beauty, fashion, and entertainment for Goodto.com and My Imperfect Life.
-
Why do I crave sugar? Causes of sugar cravings and how to stop them
If you're someone who suffers from sugar cravings you'll know how hard it is to give up the sweet stuff. But you're not alone.
By Debra Waters Published
-
Low sodium diet: the benefits of reducing salt and what foods to eat
By Emily-Ann Elliott Published
-
King Charles III admits this sad reality of ageing in new Channel 5 documentary
The monarch has made a heartbreaking admission as he gives Pam Ayres a tour of his Cotswolds home.
By Selina Maycock Published
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton pose for a new portrait with King Charles III and the Queen Consort
Buckingham Palace delights royal fans with a new photograph of Prince William and Kate Middleton, alongside King Charles III and the Queen Consort.
By Naomi Jamieson Published
-
The surprising properties Kate Middleton and Prince William have inherited from King Charles III
As well as being the proud new owner of a garden centre and a prison, Prince William is also now his father's landlord!
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince George and Princess Charlotte praised for displaying 'respect and maturity' at Queen's funeral
Prince George and Princess Charlotte have been praised for their maturity during the Queen's funeral
By Selina Maycock Published
-
King Charles III has revealed the Queen's 'greatest comfort' in emotional thanksgiving message
King Charles III gave an emotional reply to the motion of condolence at Scottish Parliament.
By Selina Maycock Published
-
King Charles III pays tribute to his mother, the Queen, 'thank you for your love and devotion to our family'
King Charles III praised the Queen's "warmth, humour and an unerring ability always to see the best in people"
By Selina Maycock Published
-
King Charles III greets royal mourners as he arrives at Buckingham Palace ahead of first address
King Charles III is set to address the nation in London as his first TV appearance as head of state.
By Selina Maycock Published
-
King Charles shares 'greatest sadness' in first statement following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II
King Charles has expressed his ‘great sadness’ in a statement following the death of his mother, the Queen
By Naomi Jamieson Published