On July 17, 1917, the British royal family left their traditional German surname and adopted the name Windsar.
Everyone is aware of the importance of the people in democracy, but there is very little evidence of bowing to the people of the royal family. When it comes to the very powerful royal family of the world, it becomes more important. It is being talked about the royal family of Britain, which not only had to bend before the public but also had to change his head name. History books are witness to this historical event.
Yes, this change came out exactly 108 years ago. When Britain’s royal family made an important announcement to change their head name. The day of 17 July 1917 brought a significant turn in the history of Britain. On this day, the royal family of Britain left its traditional German surname and adopted the name Windsar. This change was not only of a name, but a major decision related to the politics of Britain, society and royal family. Let’s know why the royal family had to change its name? Why was the name Windsar chosen? What is the whole story behind it?
First World War and German protests in Britain
Tension was at its peak in Europe at the early twentieth century. The First World War broke out in 1914, with the forces of Britain, France and Russia, while Germany, Austria-Hungary and Türkiye on the other side. The original name of Britain’s royal family was House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, which was of German origin. The name came in 1840 due to Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, from Saxe-Cumbberg and Gotha royal family in Germany.
As the war increased, anti-German sentiments in Britain also intensified. Anger and hatred towards Germany started increasing in the minds of the general public. Campaigns against German names and symbols started running in newspapers. Riots and protests also took place in many places. In such an environment, the German name of the royal family started pricking people. Many people also started questioning the loyalty of the royal family.
Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert. Photo: Bettmann/Getty Images
Name change pressure
The pressure on UK King George V began to increase to change his family name. He realized that if the royal family needed public support, they would have to make their image British, not German. German bombers aircraft served ghee in the fire. The aircraft was named Gotha, who was bombing Britain. In such a situation, it was even more uncomfortable to name the name “Saxe-Cumbberg and Gotha”.
Why did the royal family choose the name Windsor?
King George V and his advisors decided to choose a name that is completely British, and in which the legacy and pride of the royal family is reflected. He chose the name “Windsar”, which was derived from the famous England Windsor Castle. Windsar Castle is a historical and prestigious residence of the British royal family, whose roots go up to the 11th century. This name not only referred to the British identity, but was also a symbol of the tradition and stability of the royal family.
A historic announcement made on 17 July 1917
On 17 July 1917, King George V announces that the royal family would be named “House of Windser” from now on. He also ordered all his relatives and descendants to leave German degrees and adopt British degrees. After this decision, there was a big change in the image of the royal family and their popularity among the public started increasing again.
Name’s effect
After adopting the name Windsar, the royal family completely associated themselves with the British society. This decision was not only symbolic, but it also strengthened the political and social status of the royal family. The public also took this change positively and confidence in the royal family was restored again. Since then, the royal family of Britain is known as “House of Windsor” till date.
Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Philip. Photo: ken goff/getty images
What is the history of Windsor Castle?
In order to change the name, the history of Windsor Castle should also be known. Because this is also very interesting. One of Britain’s oldest and largest royal habitats. This fort is not only a symbol of the British monarchy, but is also counted among the longest inhabited palaces in Europe. Windsar Castle was established in the 11th century. It was started by William the Conqueror around 1070. After winning England, William built several forts across the country, including Windsor Castle. Its main objective was to protect London and surrounding areas.
Windsor Castle’s relationship with order of the garter is straightforward
In the 12th and 13th centuries, especially during the reign of Henry II, Henry III and Edward III, Windsor Castle expanded considerably. Edward III turned it into a grand royal palace and many important historical events took place here. Edward III also established the “Order of the Garter” here, which is still Britain’s biggest nightthud order today.
One of Britain’s oldest and largest royal habitats. Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Military cantonment and jail also remained
In the 15th-16th century, Henry VIII and Elizabeth also used this fort. In Stuart period, especially during the English Civil War, Windsar Castle was also used as a military cantonment and jail.
Witness to Georgian and Victorian era
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the fort was rebuilt and decorated during the time of George III, George IV and Queen Victoria. Queen Victoria made it his main residence and many important state ceremonies were held here.
Modern era
In the 20th and 21st centuries, Windsor Castle is building a major residence of the royal family. During World War II, the royal family took refuge here for security. Even today this fort is the center of the private residence of the royal family and many state events.
Architecture and importance
The area of Windsor Castle is about 13 acres. It has great chapels, apartments, gardens and towers. Many royal weddings and final rites have also been performed in St. George’s Chapel here.
It can be said in this way that the story of changing the name by Britain’s royal family is not just a name change, but the story of a historic decision taken under the pressure of time, politics and society. The story is also strong proof that this royal family took care of the sentiments of the people, so she is still ruling today. The name “Windsar” is today a symbol of the identity, tradition and pride of the British royal family. This incident also teaches us that sometimes the importance of symbols and names becomes so big that they can change the direction of history.
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