Prince Charles may opt not to be King Charles III, Can choose between 4 names

When Prince Charles becomes King of England, it is commonly anticipated that he will be known as King Charles II.

However, Prince Charles may be considering changing his name when he becomes King.

The Prince of Wales has been Queen Elizabeth's successor and first in line to the throne for more than 69 years, making him the country's longest-serving heir apparent.

When that day comes, Charles may throw the British people a curveball by changing his name.

Whereas Elizabeth elected to preserve her given first name when she became queen, ruling as Queen Elizabeth II, WalesOnline says that Prince Charles may not.

A royal rule states that kings may use a name other than their given name as their title.

Prince Charles has the power to lead the United Kingdom under whatever name he wants, and there have been suggestions from Clarence House that he may do so.

According to the Express, the Prince of Wales has waited his whole life to become the United Kingdom's next king, but the 72-year-old will have to wait a little more since the Queen has no intention of stepping down.

Queen Victoria's ‘real' name was Alexandrina, but when she became queen, she changed it to Victoria.

Then, when her son Prince Albert ascended to the throne in 1901, he chose to govern as King Edward VII, against his mother's wishes.

Prince Charles' full name is Charles Philip Arthur George, and, contrary to popular belief, the King may choose any of the given names.

So, although the Prince may follow in the footsteps of King Charles, he may also follow in the footsteps of King Arthur, the legendary British commander.

Charles, Prince of Wales, may choose not to be known as “King Charles III” to avoid comparisons with Charles II of England (who was known for his Catholic sympathies), Charles I of England (who was executed after the English Civil War), and the Jacobite (who claimed the title “Charles III”).

The Constitution Unit at University College London's School of Public Policy wrote on the matter, saying that he would not be the first King to go by a different name.

They explained: “He is free to choose his own regnal title.

“King Edward VII chose Edward as his regnal title, although hitherto he had been known by his first name of Albert.

“King Edward VIII also chose Edward as his regnal title, although he was known to his family and friends as David.

“Prince Charles' Christian names are Charles Philip Arthur George.

“Instead of becoming King Charles, he might choose to become King George VII, or King Philip, or King Arthur.”

In 2005, it was reported that Prince Charles had opted not to accept the name King Charles III. According to The Guardian, he discussed altering his name with a number of close pals.

In honor of his grandpa, he may opt to be known as George VII. The Prince, on the other hand, has yet to make a choice.