George V's Decision to Rename the British Royal Family: Windsor vs Other Possibilities
When George V took the throne, he faced the significant challenge of renaming the British Royal Family due to its German roots. The Saxe-Coburg and Gotha name was replaced with Windsor, a choice that preserves the country's heritage and culture. This article explores the process and considerations behind this decision, along with the alternatives that could have been considered.
Why Windsor?
George V selected Windsor for several reasons. Firstly, the castle had been a major fortress and residence of English and British monarchs since it was built by William the Conqueror to guard and control access to London from the west. The connection to William the Conqueror had a deep historical significance and reinforced the ties to the oldest standing castle in England. By choosing Windsor, George V sought to create a sense of continuity with the past, making the change more palatable and aligning the royal family with the English identity.
Exploring the Alternatives
This decision was not made in a vacuum. The royal family had numerous options for a new name, aiming to distance themselves from their German roots and align more closely with the English identity. Here are some of the alternatives that were considered:
Tudor, Plantagenet, and England
Names like Tudor, Plantagenet, and England themselves were proposed. These names have rich historical significance, but they were ultimately discarded because they were too closely tied to specific periods or events in English history. The royal family needed a name that would bridge the past and present, and it is unlikely that names like these were considered due to their specific connotations and associations.
Furthermore, names like Smith and Brown, while common and thus well-known, were deemed too ordinary and unregal to carry the weight of the royal name. The name Windsor, while seemingly mundane, offered a perfect balance, possessing a sense of heritage without being overly specific to any particular period.
The Decision-Making Process
Lord Stamfordham, George V's private secretary, had the innovative idea to use the name of a castle or town. This led to the selection of Windsor. The name Windsor was deemed appropriately royal and distinctly English, ensuring that the royal family retained its connection to the bulwarks of English and British history while breaking away from its German origins.
Interestingly, a few years later, King Leopold III of Belgium faced a similar dilemma. He opted for Belgium, a choice that emphasized the stability and unity of the nation. Both kings sought names that would align their royal houses with the cultural identity and national pride of their respective countries.
Impact and Legacy
The change from Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to Windsor was a significant step in the evolution of the British monarchy. By associating the name with Windsor Castle, the royal family reinforced its English identity and history while maintaining the connection with the monarchy's past. The duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, originally belonging to Queen Victoria's grandfather and passing through several generations, reflects the complex ties that once existed. Today, while the title exists, its power and significance have diminished after the Great War.
While the royal family still bears the family name of Windsor, modern relations with the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha are likely friendly, reflecting a respectful and resilient approach to royal lineage and historical connections.