‘The Crown’: Why Did Prince Philip Change His Name When He Married Queen Elizabeth II?

When it comes to Prince Philip, one of the things that confuses people is why he changed his name when he married Queen Elizabeth II. Even though this fact is nearly 70 years old, it was revived with the premiere of the Netflix series “The Crown,” which debuted Friday. The series focuses on the happenings of the British Royal Family in the 1950s.

The royal was born Philip, prince of Greece and Denmark, in 1921. His family fled Greece when his uncle, King Constantine I, was exiled.

Philip was never given a surname. Because of this, he was reportedly teased in prep school, author Philip Eade wrote in his 2011 book, “Prince Philip: The Turbulent Early Life of the Man Who Married Queen Elizabeth II.”

He was only called “Philip of Greece.” But that didn’t last for long.

Philip took the surname Mountbatten, which comes from his mother’s side of the family, when he became a naturalized British citizen Feb. 28, 1947. Like it shows in “The Crown,” Philip relinquished his right to the Greek and Danish thrones.

When he married Queen Elizabeth Nov. 20, 1947, his full name became Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth and Baron Greenwich.

Philip did not become King when Elizabeth was crowned Queen because under English common law, a woman takes a man’s last name, rank and title when they married. If the woman’s rank is higher, the man does not take her rank.

Philip is not British, but he does has English ties. In fact, he and Queen Elizabeth II are related. Their great-great grandmother was Queen Victoria, which makes them third cousins.

While “The Crown” claimed it is “inspired by true events,” the British monarchy denied any connection. “’The Crown’ is a fictional drama,” the royal press office told Bustle Friday. “The Royal Household has had no involvement.”

Season 1 of “The Crown” is currently streaming on Netflix. The series has reportedly been renewed for a second season.

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