Queen Elizabeth II has very sadly passed away today, which means Prince Charles is now the King of England. But while you might assume he'll go down in history as King Charles (or more specifically, King Charles III), that isn't necessarily the case.
Apparently, it's common for potential monarchs to switch things up before formally hopping on the throne, and Charles could start going by a completely different name.
Former Buckingham Palace press spokesperson Dickie Arbiter (who, if you're a royal nerd like me, you'll know is the father of royal reporter Victoria Arbiter) tells Hello! that Charles could go by one of his middle names once he ascends the throne. "He might choose one of his other names Philip, Arthur, or George," Arbiter explains.
Again, as Hello! notes, Charles would hardly be the first king to make this call. In fact, his grandfather King George VI was actually named Albert. And King Edward VII was also named Albert.
First of all, so many Alberts. Second of all, can you imagine getting a new job and having to just casually change your identity?
***
This article originally appeared on Cosmopolitan.com. Minor edits have been made by the Cosmo.ph editors.
READ MORE ABOUT PRINCE CHARLES AND QUEEN ELIZABETH II:
Prince Charles Will Not 'Willingly Step Down From His Destiny' To Let Prince William Be King
Princess Diana's Marriage To Prince Charles Was 'Like A Business Transaction' Full Of 'Red Flags'
Queen Elizabeth Seated Alone At Prince Philip's Funeral Is The Most *Heartbreaking* Scene Ever
Everything You Need To Know About Queen Elizabeth’s Corgis
