In the US* you can’t copyright a name, despite what the sov-cit people tell you. It’s too short.** You can trademark a name. (But it usually has to be in association with a product. E.g. Darth Vader brand burgers, etc.) In the case of Disney-owned characters they would have trademarked Darth Vader brand action figures and a million other things. Anyone trying to trademark Darth Vader brand British King (?) would be sued for trademark confusion. (Note that Darth Vader is made up and distinctive. Disney would have more trouble if the issue was “Mermaid” brand something.)
As far as I know the UK is fairly similar in many respects to the US in IP law. But there are some big differences when it comes to things royal/govermental. E.g., the King James Bible is still under ~copyright there!
** But if your name was “Johann Gambolputty de von Ausfern-schplenden-schlitter-crasscrenbon-fried-digger-dingle- dangle-dongle-dungle-burstein-von-knacker-thrasher-apple-banger-horowitz-ticolensic-grander-knotty-spelltinkle-grandlich-grumblemeyer-spelterwasser- kurstlich-himbleeisen-bahnwagen-gutenabend-bitte-ein-nürnburger-bratwustle- gerspurten-mitz-weimache-luber-hundsfut-gumberaber-shönedanker-kalbsfleisch- mittler-aucher von Hautkopft of Ulm.” you might have better luck.
No surprise to the people who actively read about the monarchy, but to the average joe whose main knowledge comes from tabloid stories about Chuck and Di?
Diana got his names in the wrong order (“Philip Charles Arthur George”, reversing the first two). Then again, HE vowed to share HER goods (saying “thy” instead of “my” worldly goods), so how could he complain?
Yes, the terribly nervous teenager already suffering from the mental illness of an eating disorder and speaking live in front of millions of people worldwide mixed up the order of his four names as she repeated them.
Sources for their autobiography say Wallis addressed as him Sir around others and referred to him as the Duke. Their many staff have given various accounts as to how she addressed him in private. He referred to her, after their marriage, as the Duchess and himself as the Duke.
ETA: thank you to Northern Piper for pointing out my error and the distinct difference.
