Why did King Edward change his name?

As a historian with a focus on British royal history, I can provide some insights into the question of why King Edward VIII changed his name. The context of this question is rooted in one of the most significant events in the British monarchy's modern history—the abdication crisis of 1936. King Edward VIII, originally named David, was the eldest son of King George V and Queen Mary. He ascended to the throne upon his father's death on January 20, 1936. However, his reign was short-lived due to a controversy that led to his decision to abdicate, which is directly related to the question of why he changed his name. The abdication crisis was triggered by Edward VIII's intention to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee. At the time, the British monarch was also the head of the Church of England, which did not permit remarriage after divorce if the former spouse was still alive, as was the case with Simpson. This caused a constitutional and moral conflict, as the King's marriage to Simpson would have been unacceptable to the Church and the British Empire, which included several dominions that had their own laws regarding the marriage of the monarch. Faced with this crisis, Edward VIII chose to abdicate on December 11, 1936, stating in his abdication speech, "I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as king as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love." His abdication was a voluntary renunciation of the throne, an unprecedented event in modern British history. Following his abdication, Edward VIII was given the title Duke of Windsor. It was after this point that he chose to be known by his middle name, David, rather than Edward. This decision was likely a personal one, reflecting a desire to distance himself from the controversy and the pressures of his former role. Being known as David allowed him to lead a more private life after his abdication, as the name Edward was so closely associated with his time as king and the scandal that surrounded it. His younger brother, Prince Albert, who then became King George VI, ruled in his stead. George VI chose to reign under his fourth middle name, George, to honor his father and to symbolize continuity in the monarchy following the abdication. This act was seen as a stabilizing force for the monarchy and the British people during a time of uncertainty. In conclusion, the name change from King Edward to David was a significant part of the aftermath of the abdication crisis. It was a personal choice that allowed Edward VIII to redefine his identity outside of the royal duties he had renounced. The continuity of the monarchy was then ensured by his brother's ascension to the throne under a name that honored their father and the institution they served.

The last king - George VI - was actually called Albert and known to his family as ''Bertie''. But he ruled under his fourth middle name George in honour of his father George V and to symbolise the continuation of the monarchy after the scandal caused by the abdication of his brother Edward VIII.Jul 24, 2013