MountbattenWindsor

Mountbatten-Windsor is the surname used by certain descendants of the British royal family. It was created in the 20th century to provide a family name for members who do not regularly use dynastic titles. The surname combines Mountbatten, Prince Philip’s family name from his Battenberg lineage, with Windsor, the name of the royal house since 1917.

Historically, the Mountbatten-Windsor name was established as a practical surname for Elizabeth II’s descendants who do not bear royal titles. It is most visible in the full legal names of contemporary royals, though many are publicly known by their titles or forenames. Notable bearers include Prince William and Catherine’s children, who are commonly known as George, Charlotte, and Louis, with full names that include Mountbatten-Windsor. Prince Harry and Meghan’s children, Archie and Lilibet, have also been identified with the Mountbatten-Windsor surname in official contexts.

Usage today varies by context. In everyday life, members of the royal family are typically addressed by titles rather than a surname. In official documents where a surname is required, Mountbatten-Windsor may be used to identify lineages within the Windsor dynasty without relying solely on titles. The surname remains a genealogical marker rather than a separate dynastic name, and it is primarily used for formal or legal purposes when a surname is needed.