We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Prince Charles is the longest-serving heir apparent in British royal history. Charles has been heir to the throne since the age of three when his mother Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne. One day, following the death of the Queen, Charles is expected to become King and his current royal titles will return to the crown.
Prince Charles was given the title of Prince of Wales in 1958 when he was only nine years old.
The Prince of Wales title has traditionally been given to the male heir to the throne for centuries.
Charles was formally invested with the Prince of Wales title in 1969 at Caernarfon Castle in Wales.
READ MORE: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have ‘bitter pill’ to swallow
However, according to the Constitution Unit at University College London (UCL), Charles will “not necessarily” become King Charles III.
The unit’s website explains: “He is free to choose his own regnal title.
“King Edward VIII also chose Edward as his regnal title, although he was known to his family and friends as David.”
Prince Charles will have four options to choose from for his regnal name, based on the names he was given at birth.
The Constitution Unit website adds: “Prince Charles’s Christian names are Charles Philip Arthur George.
DON’T MISS:
Nicholas Witchell’s Royal Family feud with Charles erupted after move [INSIGHT]
Queen and Prince Charles will never abdicate for Prince William [ANALYSIS]
Prince Harry accused of six snubs during UK visit [LIVE]
The name Charles has strong royal connotations, with two very famous King Charles’ reigning during the Stuart era.
Charles may decide to remain Charles, following in the footsteps of his mother, who also decided to reign under her given name as Queen Elizabeth II.
However, in the past, there were some reports Charles was considering a different name to his own for his regnal name.
George has been a very popular name among previous British monarchs, so Charles may wish to follow in the footsteps of past kings.
Charles’ own grandfather was King George VI, while his great-grandfather was King George V.
However, reigning under the regnal name of King Philip could also be seen as a touching tribute to Charles’ late father, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
The legendary connotations of King Arthur could also be of interest to Charles, but the nation will have to wait until Charles is King to find out what his regnal name will be.
See today’s front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive.