When Prince William ascends to the throne of the United Kingdom, he will have to make a decision about what name he will take as king. As a future King, Prince William could opt to follow in his father and grandmother’s footsteps and use his first name – which would make him King William V.
The very first King William was William the Conqueror in 1066. He was followed by his third son, King William II. William II was known as William Rufus due to his red hair. After William II, the throne passed to his brother Henry I, and then to Stephen of Blois.
The next King William was William III, who reigned from 1689 to 1702. He was the son of William II of Orange and Mary, the daughter of King James II. William III was followed by Queen Anne, and then by George I, who was the first Hanoverian king.
The next King William was William IV, who reigned from 1830 to 1837. He was the third son of George III and was succeeded by his niece, Queen Victoria.
The last King William was William V, who reigned from 1837 to 1901. He was the son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. He was succeeded by his son, Edward VII.
Prince William is expected to ascend to the throne on 27th September 2022. At that time, he will have to decide whether to take the name King William V or to choose another name. Whatever name he chooses, it will be the first time in over 120 years that the United Kingdom has had a King William.
Whichever name he chooses, it is sure to be a historic moment for the United Kingdom. It will be a moment of great pride for the British people, and will be remembered for generations to come.
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