When Will William Ascend the Throne: Will He Be Called William V or William VI?
When Prince William ascends the throne, it's a matter of convention whether he will be referred to as William V or William VI. This article explores the historical significance and potential implications of his potential regnal name.
Historical Context and Naming Conventions
The naming of a monarch within the British royal lineage is steeped in tradition and historical precedent. The convention generally follows the highest number of the same name within the United Kingdom territory prior to the current union of England and Scotland in 1707. Therefore, if Prince William were to become king, he would be designated as William V, as the Scottish King William (1185-1214) predates the formation of the United Kingdom. In this context, the name William has only been used four times in the United Kingdom — two for English kings and one each for Scottish and English kings.
Prince William's Full Name and Potential Regnal Names
Prince Charles, the current Prince of Wales, was born with the full name William Arthur Philip Louis. If he decides to retain the name William, it could cause some confusion regarding his regnal number. However, Prince William, as the potential future king, has the flexibility to choose any of his full names or adopt a different title altogether. This includes options like George VII or Charles, among others. The vast majority of previous William rulers were not from the House of Windsor, so the choice is entirely in his hands.
The Thronename of William V
As Prince Charles (or future king William) is the third William to rule both England and Scotland, he would be the fifth William to rule England and the third William to rule Scotland. Following the convention, the highest number among these would determine his reign title. This would make Prince William (if he becomes king) the fifth William to rule England and the third to rule Scotland, making him William V.
Historical Precedents and Modern Conventions
The most recent example of this practice is King Charles III (formerly Charles III) or Elizabeth II. They were known as such using the highest number of their name within the context of the United Kingdom. The same principle would apply to Prince William if he ascends to the throne, making him William V.
Contemporary Reactions and Modernity Concerns
However, there have been discussions about the modernity of "William V" as a name. Some have suggested that continuing with the traditional number might not align with modern sensibilities. For example, the name "William V.5" was proposed by a Royal Decree at the time of Charles's succession. This decision was influenced by the computer science community, who favored the use of the decimal point as a new way to designate succession numbers.
There were concerns that William V.1 (the first of a new series) might be confusing for the public, especially younger generations. To address this, the Royal Designation Committee decided that fractions would not be used beyond simple whole numbers, leading to the adoption of "William V.5" as a new standard. This name was deemed more modern and easier to understand than more complex alternatives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, based on the current rules and historical context, any future King William would be known as William V, following the highest number used in English and Scottish royal history. The debate surrounding the use of "William V.5" highlights the tension between traditionalism and modernity in royal naming conventions. Ultimately, it remains for Prince William to decide if he will follow the traditional path or adopt a name that better resonates with the public.