Prince Charles Originally Wanted to Name William Something Totally Different
Though the name he and Diana went with still has a lot of power.

What’s in a name? Well, when you’re the future King of England, kind of a lot as it turns out! According to royal historian Robert Lacey, writing in People, when William eventually becomes king he’ll be known as King William IV, which Princess Diana suggested as a nod to a different famed English king. But Prince Charles originally proposed a very different name for his firstborn.
Lacey says that though Diana got her way when William was born in June 1982, Prince Charles had suggested calling their son Arthur—after the storied king and knight of the Round Table in British legend. However, "Diana, Princess of Wales proposed a more robust name — William, as in 'William the Conqueror,' victor of the famed Battle of Hastings in 1066,” Lacey said. Arthur would have been a very different vibe for William, though we must admit we like the sound of King Arthur II too.
Diana with a young William.
But Charles’s suggestion wasn’t totally vetoed, either. The Duke of Cambridge’s full name is Prince William Arthur Philip Louis. Diana’s pick of William got the lead, Charles’s selection of Arthur came in second, a tribute to William’s grandfather Prince Philip is third, and Louis—a family name—rounds out the fourth place.
When you’re a royal you’re supposed to have a lot of names apparently, and it’s notable that Prince William and Kate Middleton gave their second-born son the name Louis, too—and his middle name is even Arthur. Those are some big names to live up to!
Charles, William, and Diana.
But Lacey writes that Diana knew even early on that William would be up to the task:
It’s hard to imagine Prince William as anything else, so it’s probably for the best that Diana got her way on the name selection.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. We're known for our award-winning features, thoughtful essays and op-eds, deep commitment to sustainable fashion, and buzzy interviews and reviews. Reaching millions of women every month, MarieClaire.com is an internationally-recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.
-
Meet the Cast of 'The White Lotus' Season 3, From the New Guests Checking In to the Surprising, Returning Characters
HBO rounded up a handful of A-listers for the anthology's Thailand-set installment.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Jennifer Lopez Dips Her Fingers Into a Rising Manicure Trend
It's the perfect shade for solo V-Day plans.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Prince Charles Sent Princess Diana an Unexpectedly Touching Letter Before Their Wedding
The late royal shared the details of his intimate card and personalized gift.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince Charles Sent Princess Diana an Unexpectedly Touching Message Before Their Royal Wedding
The late royal shared the details of his intimate card and personalized gift.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
All the Details on Princess Kate and Prince William's Seriously Luxe Mustique Vacation
From a $42k villa with a private butler to a celebrity-fave bar, the Waleses are enjoying some fun in the sun.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Kate "Put Her Foot Down" and Refused to Let George, Charlotte, and Louis Take Part in "Blooding" Tradition
The Princess of Wales is raising her kids on her own terms.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton Trades Her Red Carpet BAFTAs Gown for a Luxe Beach Vacation Bikini
She's skipping the awards ceremony for a private island loved by celebs.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William "Didn't Have a Romantic Bone in His Body" Before Falling in Love With Kate Middleton
"William also attempted to turn Kate's head with his sporting prowess."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry and Prince William Share This Parenting Conundrum as They Honor Princess Diana
The Prince of Wales and Duke of Sussex have found themselves in similar situations recently.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Exclusive: Princess Diana Would “Send Romantic Cards to Prince Charles” But “He Never Returned the Compliment,” Per Former Royal Butler
Diana’s butler, Paul Burrell, tells ‘Marie Claire’ how the royals “never acknowledged” Valentine’s Day.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
King Charles Is Very Particular and Can “Lose His Temper” If Things Aren’t Done Right, a New Book Claims
And his temper has apparently been "inherited in different measures by Prince William and Prince Harry."
By Kayleigh Roberts Published