Prince Charles Won't Be Called King George When He Takes Over Throne

Prince Charles may change his name when he becomes king, but he likely won't be called George.

Clarence House issued a statement years ago denying that Prince Charles had a private discussion with his "trusted friends" about the possibility of the Prince of Wales reigning as King George VII. "No decision has been made and it will be made at the time," the prince's office said in an official statement.

Prince Charles reportedly wanted to change his name due to the negative connotation that is attached to the name "King Charles." King Charles I is the only British monarch executed after the Civil Wars.

His son and successor, Charles II, was known as a philanderer and had a string of mistresses. In fact, King Charles II reportedly acknowledged 12 illegitimate children from various women.

Dickie Arbiter also said he believes that the second-in-line to the throne would opt for another name during his reign. According to him, Prince Charles "might choose one of his other names Philip, Arthur or George."

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said earlier that the royals changing their name when they become the monarch is not new to the family. So, Prince Charles doesn't necessarily need to use the same name when he becomes king.

"The custom of the monarch choosing his name dates back to ancient times," Fitzwilliam explained. "Charles might, as Charles Philip Arthur George, choose George VII. It would be both a tribute to his grandfather and also to George III whom he admires."

Although the name "King Charles" has a bad reputation, Fitzwilliams thinks that the heir can still use it. In fact, he was expecting the Prince of Wales to be King Charles III.

"I don't know which he would choose but I would expect him to become King Charles III," Fitzwilliams explained. "It is true Charles I was executed but Charles II was welcomed back after Cromwell's death and the libidinous monarch was popular and a wonderful contrast to Cromwell's puritanical Commonwealth, the only time in over 1,000 years of monarchy we've had a republic and, hopefully, the last."

In related news, Camilla Parker Bowles would be Queen when Prince Charles becomes king. According to Professor Pavlos Eleftheriadis, Prince Charles and Camilla's civil wedding is valid, so "Camilla will be a 'Queen' in the limited legal sense of being the wife of sovereign."