The Royal Library / Royal history
The House of Windsor Explained
The name sounds as if it has always belonged to Britain’s royal family. It actually dates to a decision made in the middle of World War I. Here is how Windsor became the name of the royal house, and what it means today.
Historical details reviewed against the Royal Household on September 27, 2026.
The short answer: The House of Windsor is the reigning British royal house. King George V adopted the name in 1917, replacing Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. The name was inspired by Windsor Castle and remains the name of the royal house under King Charles III.
Why did the name change?
Before Windsor, the British royal house was called Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, a name associated with Prince Albert’s family. During World War I, anti-German feeling made that name especially uncomfortable for a British royal family representing the nation. On July 17, 1917, George V declared that the house and family would use the name Windsor.
Windsor Castle supplied a familiar British name for the family. The declaration changed the royal house’s name; it did not begin a new family line or change who was next in the line of succession.
The name in three moments
Edward VII’s reign begins
After Queen Victoria, her son Edward VII became the first British monarch of the House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.
George V chooses Windsor
The King’s proclamation replaced Saxe-Coburg-Gotha with Windsor during World War I.
A surname is clarified
Elizabeth II and Prince Philip distinguished their direct descendants with the name Mountbatten-Windsor in circumstances where a surname is needed. The royal house stayed Windsor.
Windsor and Mountbatten-Windsor
These names answer different questions. Windsor is the name of the royal house. Mountbatten-Windsor is a surname used by descendants of Elizabeth II and Prince Philip under the 1960 declaration when a surname is needed. Members of the Royal Family with the style and title of Prince or Princess often have no occasion to use a surname at all.
Mountbatten came from Prince Philip’s family name. The 1960 decision did not rename the House of Windsor. That distinction helps explain why a document might say Mountbatten-Windsor while a history book still calls the dynasty Windsor.
Is the House of Windsor the same as the monarchy?
No. The house names the reigning dynasty. The monarchy is the continuing constitutional institution, with the sovereign as Head of State. The Royal Family describes people related to the sovereign, and “working royals” describes those carrying out official duties. The groups overlap, but the terms serve different purposes.
For the people behind the name, visit our guide to who’s who and the modern family tree. If a prince, duke or other style is confusing, our royal titles guide explains it.
Frequently asked questions
When did the House of Windsor begin?
The name began in 1917, when George V replaced Saxe-Coburg-Gotha with Windsor by proclamation. The royal family’s ancestry reaches back much further.
Why was Windsor chosen?
It took its name from Windsor Castle, an established royal residence with a distinctly British association.
Is King Charles III a Windsor?
Yes. Charles III belongs to the House of Windsor. The house name and a surname used on particular documents are separate matters.
Did Mountbatten-Windsor replace Windsor?
No. The 1960 declaration addressed the surname used by some descendants of Elizabeth II and Philip. It did not change the name of the royal house.
Sources and updates
Reviewed September 27, 2026. The main historical references are the Royal Household’s pages on the House of Windsor, Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, the Royal Family name and the monarchy’s role. Current names, roles and titles should be rechecked when this page is updated.
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