# The reign of King Charles III of the United Kingdom **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [September 8, 2022, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232 "2022-09-08T18:05:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2022, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/41 "2022-09-08T21:39:01Z")
Do royal warrants carry over with the change of monarch, or do Colman’s mustard and Gordon’s gin and the like need to reapply for the rught to put that crest on their lavel? ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2022, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/42 "2022-09-08T21:39:46Z")
Not to mention that, although a fictional king, Charles using the Arthur name would point at the humongously big shoes that he would have to fill. . . . And no watery tart that gave him a sword… ---
**Author:** ![Daithi\_Lacha](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/daithi_lacha/32/5430_2.png) [@Daithi\_Lacha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daithi_Lacha)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2022, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/43 "2022-09-08T21:56:36Z")
Also, historically Arthurs have had terrible luck in England. Henry VIII’s elder brother, Prince Arthur, died just shy of his 16th birthday (and left the widow Catherine of Aragon). Another Arthur, Duke of Brittany and in the line of succession for the English throne (per his uncle, Richard I “The Lionheart”), was imprisoned and ultimately murdered by King John ca. 1203. ---
**Author:** ![F.U.Shakespeare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/aca169/32.png) [@F.U.Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.U.Shakespeare)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2022, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/44 "2022-09-08T22:10:06Z")
I would think that Charles taking a different regnal name would have caused confusion with a lot of people. Many outside the UK are less familiar with monarchy traditions. _“Who’s this George guy? He looks a lot like that Prince Charles!”_ It’s pretty widely understood that the pope takes a different regnal name, but unlike Charles, most people haven’t heard of the pope before he’s elected. Heck, here in the U.S., Cassius Clay/Muhammad Ali took us years. Even Ricky/Rick Nelson gave some of us fits. ---
**Author:** ![Buck\_Godot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buck_godot/32/6573_2.png) [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2022, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/45 "2022-09-08T22:23:03Z")
> [@JRDelirious](#): > > There are some things that are just considered bad form for a Royal. Like calling yourself King Arthur. Or Albert. Why not Albert? ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2022, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/46 "2022-09-08T22:24:56Z")
I vote for King Prince Albert. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2022, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/47 "2022-09-08T22:27:37Z")
> [@Buck\_Godot](#): > > Why not Albert? Because, after the death of her husband, Prince Albert, Queen Victoria is said to have made it clear that she did not ever want there to be a King Albert, who would overshadow the memory of her husband. > **[Royal tribute: The reason King George VI was NOT called King Albert](https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/1301924/royal-tribute-king-george-vi-not-king-albert-regnal-name)** > > KING GEORGE VI was the father of Queen Elizabeth II, and ruled over Britain following the abdication of his brother King Edward VIII. ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2022, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/48 "2022-09-08T22:28:01Z")
> [@Buck\_Godot](#): > > Why not Albert? Apparently Vicky herself asked it to be so. Lemme see, under the current succession arrangement there have been crowned six Georges, two Edwards, a William, a Victoria and an Elizabeth. E2’s father and great-grandfather used regnal names from down their list of multiple names rather than the first one because of the Albert thing. And oddly uncle Edward VIII’s first name _was_ Edward but in-family went by David. The late Queen was Elizabeth Alexandra Mary so she _could_ have decided to be Mary III. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2022, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/49 "2022-09-08T23:00:57Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Monarchs are allowed to choose a “regnal” name, which may or may not be the name they were given at birth. > [@scudsucker](#): > > It is somewhat like how popes choose new names on pontification (I hope that is the right word) > > Kings get to choose regnal names. Cites, please, that British monarchs can choose regnal names that they have not had since birth? I am aware of only one example, from 1390 in Scotland, but if I’m wrong, I welcome correction. - I am not aware of any English monarch who reigned under a name that they had not had since birth. - I am not aware of any British monarch (1707 onwards) who reigned under a name that they had not had since birth. - I am aware of one Scots monarch, Robert III, who was baptised John but chose to reign as Robert. That was in 1390, which is a bit ago. As well, he needed the consent of the Scottish Parliament to do so: [Robert III of Scotland - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_III_of_Scotland) - Edward VIII and George VI both reigned under names they had had since birth. If I am wrong on any of these points, I welcome correction. One example, from over 600 years ago, seems a pretty narrow data point to support sweeping statements that British monarchs can choose whatever name they wish. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2022, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/50 "2022-09-08T23:02:11Z")
Alright - they can choose any name they are already burdened with. Nitpick. ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2022, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/51 "2022-09-08T23:11:33Z")
I feel like I’m the only person on earth besides Camilla who actually likes the guy. Always have. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2022, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/52 "2022-09-08T23:11:42Z")
On the way home I realized that Charles will not be able to sing the national anthem for the first time in 70 ish years. ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2022, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/53 "2022-09-08T23:16:11Z")
“God saaave our graaaacious MEEEEEE…” ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peter_morris/32/359_2.png) [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2022, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/54 "2022-09-08T23:28:07Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > Cites, please, that British monarchs can choose regnal names that they have not had since birth? Do you have any reason for thinking that they **can’t** do so? It may be against tradition, but is it forbidden? It may have happened only once in British history, but it did happen. Do you know of any law that specifically forbids it? ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2022, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/55 "2022-09-08T23:30:47Z")
> [@naita](#): > > Zero. Support for the monarchy is declining, but no sane politician is going to hand the Tories a can of gasoline they can use to get the brexit fervor to flame up again. Don’t you realize Liz Truss is now PM? Here is her speaking on the subject: [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/2qfg1AQnWIM/maxresdefault.jpg "1994: Watch Liz Truss Call for Abolition of the Monarchy") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qfg1AQnWIM) ---
**Author:** ![Bootb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e19b73/32.png) [@Bootb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bootb)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2022, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/56 "2022-09-09T00:01:40Z")
> [@RickG](#): > > Considering the longevity of his parents, it seems like abdication is the more likely route to a short (less than 2 decade) reign. There was much breathless (and groundless) speculation over the last few years that his mother would abdicate. I do not see any firmer support for the supposition that he will abdicate. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2022, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/57 "2022-09-09T00:05:31Z")
He’s already 73 years old. If he lives as long as his mother, William will be 63 when he inherits the throne. In other words, I don’t see a young monarch anytime soon. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2022, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/58 "2022-09-09T00:20:44Z")
> [@RickG](#): > > Considering the longevity of his parents, it seems like abdication is the more likely route to a short (less than 2 decade) reign. His mother made it very clear that she considered the monarchy to be a lifetime role, and it appears Charles has taken the same approach. I can’t see him abdicating unless he’s infirmed. ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2022, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/59 "2022-09-09T00:33:17Z")
Take a drink every time some one posts “regnal”. ---
**Author:** ![SpoilerVirgin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4491bb/32.png) [@SpoilerVirgin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpoilerVirgin)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2022, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/60 "2022-09-09T00:33:42Z")
> [@Ulfreida](#): > > I feel like I’m the only person on earth besides Camilla who actually likes the guy. Always have. You’re not alone. I’ve been a big fan of Charles for over 50 years, despite some of his less appropriate behavior. While I’m deeply saddened over his mother’s death, I’m thrilled that he is finally King after a lifetime in waiting. The speculation that I’ve read in the past is that Charles originally planned to use George as his regnal name, both to honor his grandfather and because of the associations of the name Charles. But eventually he had spent so many years in the public eye as Charles that it didn’t make sense to change it - everyone would have thought of him as King Charles anyway. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232.md?page=4)