On Air Now
Heart Breakfast with JK and Amanda Holden 6:30am - 10am
What is Prince William's surname? Name meaning explained
15 February 2024, 13:36
What is the meaning behind Prince William's name, what is his official surname and why has it changed?
Prince William is the son of King Charles III and the late Princess Diana, the heir to the throne, the husband of Kate Middleton and the father of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - and yet many people still don't know his surname.
The Prince of Wales' surname, for very interesting and historic reasons, has changed twice throughout his life with his family taking on the title of Cambridge or Wales in their lifetimes.
While there are a lot of questions around Prince William's surname, there's also a lot of hidden meaning in his first name and his middle names, with each one paying tribute to a special person.
Here's everything you need to know about the Prince William's surname and why it has changed over the years.
What is Prince William's full name?
Prince William was born on the 21st June 1982 with his birth certificate revealing his full name to be His Royal Highness William Arthur Philip Louis.
These names were given to him by his mother Princess Diana and father King Charles III and reflect important figures in their family.
- Read more: What will Prince William's official name be when he's king?
- Read more: Where do Kate Middleton and Prince William live?
- Read more: How Prince William made Princess Diana cry with heartbreaking promise
Who is Prince William named after?
The name William is believed to have come from the King's cousin and friend Prince William of Gloucester who died when he was only 30-years-old in an air crash, unmarried and without children.
According to reports, Arthur was the original name the King wanted to give his first child with Princess Diana, however, after she denied the request a compromise meant it become his middle name.
The name Philip is believed to be a tribute to William's grandfather and husband of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, while the name Louis is said to come from Prince Philip's favourite uncle, Lord Louis Mountbatten.
Does Prince William have a surname?
Prince William does not officially have a surname - anyone with a 'HRH' as part of their name, is not required to have one. This is similar to his brother Prince Harry's name.
However, sometimes a use of a surname is essential and William has been known to use a couple throughout his life.
During his years at school and while working in the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force, and as an air ambulance pilot, he used the surname Wales thanks to his dad then being the Prince of Wales.
William has also used the family surname, Mountbatten-Windsor, as created by the late Queen and husband Prince Phillip. This surname was to be used by all those in the royal family without official royal titles and for those who needed a surname for official documents.
The Royal Family's official website states: “The Queen’s descendants, other than those with the style of Royal Highness and the title of Prince/Princess or female descendants who marry, would carry the name of Mountbatten-Windsor.”
When Prince William married Kate Middleton, the couple were given the titles of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, which meant they were known as The Cambridges. When they welcomed Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, their children took Cambridge on as their surname.
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and King Charles' ascendancy, William and Kate became the Prince and Princess of Wales, therefore taking on the surname 'Wales'.
