Why Is Queen Elizabeth’s Title in Scotland Different Than in England?
Queen Elizabeth holds many titles as the leader of the Commonwealth Nations and the United Kingdom. Although she is adored throughout the world, her coronation as Queen Elizabeth II in 1952 stirred up a lot of controversy in Scotland. Why did people in Scotland refuse to recognize Queen Elizabeth as the second monarch to bear that name?
Why is Queen Elizabeth’s title in Scotland different?
Queen Elizabeth has sat on the throne for 65 years and carries a number of different titles, depending on the location. But when it comes to Scotland, bearing the name Queen Elizabeth II created a huge scandal — and it hasn’t gotten any better over the years.
According to Express, the problem is that Queen Elizabeth I never ruled Scotland when she was on the throne. Her reign happened prior to the Acts of Union, so it’s understandable why Scottish people were a bit angry by Queen Elizabeth II’s title.
“The suggestion that there could be a Queen Elizabeth II was considered grossly inaccurate and unacceptable to many Scots,” author David McLean shared.
In fact, royal postboxes that featured the EIIR insignia were vandalized across Scotland in 1952, and one was even destroyed by an explosion. To this day, postboxes in Scotland still don’t bear Her Majesty’s seal, which is saying a lot.
Elizabeth’s title controversy has even resurfaced in modern times following calls for another independence movement in Scotland. There is no telling what will happen on that front, but Queen Elizabeth isn’t the only one who faces a title crisis in Scotland.
Will Prince William change his title in Scotland as well?
When Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in 1952, Winston Churchill argued that future kings and queens should be numbered in sequence after their predecessors, whether they reigned over England or Scotland.
This is why Elizabeth adopted her official title, and her grandson, Prince William, will likely do the same. And just like Her Majesty, Prince William will face a similar controversy with the Scots.
In the event that Prince William reigns as King William V, people in Scotland will recognize him as King William IV instead.
That said, Prince William could go with an entirely different name, as members of the royal family are free to choose what title they will rule under. Prince William has not commented on his title, so anything could happen at this point.
Fortunately, there is still plenty of time for Prince William to figure it out. He is currently third in line to the throne and will not inherit the crown until after his father, Prince Charles.
Queen Elizabeth holds these surprising titles
While Queen Elizabeth is usually called “The Queen” in most circles, she holds a surprising number of titles. This includes names like the Defender of the Faith and the Head of the Commonwealth. She is even referred to as a Duke and a Lord in some places, even though these honors are usually reserved for men.
Queen Elizabeth, for example, is known as the Duke of Normandy, a title that originated in the Middle Ages. The Channel Islands are included in this dukedom, namely the islands of Jersey and Guernsey.
She is also called the Duke of Lancaster, which is technically apart from the Crown Estates. The Duchy of Lancaster has funded a portion of Her Majesty’s budget since 1399.
In total, Elizabeth has 16 titles for each realm in the Commonwealth. Some examples include the Queen of Papua New Guinea and the Queen of Australia.
When it comes to Scotland, they would prefer her to use the title, Queen of Scots, though it has yet to be adopted.
Her Majesty returns to work
Speaking of Scotland, Queen Elizabeth recently returned home to Buckingham Palace following her annual summer vacation at Scotland’s Balmoral Castle. Her Majesty entertained several guests at Balmoral this summer, including Prince William and Kate Middleton, along with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Although she has ruled England for 65 years and is now 93 years old, she is expected to return to her royal duties as quickly as possible.
Queen Elizabeth has not commented on the reports surrounding her title controversy in Scotland.
