How & Why The Name “William” Was Chosen For Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s First Son

It’s rightly said that a person’s name has a significant impact on his character. Perhaps that’s why Prince Charles and Princess Diana picked the name “William” for their firstborn.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images | Destined to continue the Queen’s legacy,  Prince William is all set for his future on the throne

Destined to continue the Queen’s legacy,  Prince William (along with wife Kate Middleton) is all set for his future on the throne. Once he takes over the role, he’ll be recognized as King William IV. That’s quite a formal, heavy-sounding, befitting name for the prince, don’t you think?

But did you know, if Prince Charles had his way, the name of this future monarch would be completely different?

The tale behind Prince William’s name

When Prince Charles and Princess Diana were blessed with a baby boy, Charles’ heart was set on the name ‘Arthur,’ inspired by the legendary King of the Round Table. In contrast, the Princess of Wales, Diana, wished for a more potent name for her son – William – after the conqueror and victor of the popular Battle of Hastings in 1066, King William I. After much deliberation, William was finalized as his name in June 1982 (his birth month). 

Keeping Diana’s wishes out of perspective for the moment, the name William was fit for the prince in so many other ways as well. For one, King William I built several stone castles during his regime, the most noteworthy of which is the Windsor Castle where the Queen spends most of her time today. The fortress is also where the family takes their name from, so it was only natural that the scales tipped in favor of this name.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images | Prince Charles’ heart was set on the name ‘Arthur,’ but Princess Diana wanted her son to be named after King William I

But all said and done, the name ‘Arthur’ (suggested by Prince Charles) wasn’t completely rejected too. The name has been passed down by William and Kate to their second son – Prince Louis (born 2018) – whose second name is Arthur. Prince William’s second name is Arthur too, while his third name is inspired by Prince Phillip, his late grandfather.

A mother’s unshaken belief

Needless to say, with his complete name representing so many historical figures, Prince William has a lot to live up. He has the responsibility of sustaining the legacies of these legendary men alongside the strong everlasting influence of Queen Elizabeth, his grandmother. Quite the task we must say!

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images | With his complete name representing so many historical figures, Prince William has a lot to live up

But if royal historians are to be believed, from William’s formative years, Princess Diana had unshakable faith that her son would live up to the impact of the legends he was named after. She even confided in Simone Simmons once that he was going to be a great king, for he was born a leader.