Lilian Nyiva
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that he once suggested the title "Charles the Conqueror" for Britain's King Charles III, but said the monarch declined the idea.
Speaking during a public appearance, Trump said he believed the title would have been a fitting historical-style epithet for the British monarch. According to Trump, King Charles did not adopt the suggestion.
The remarks were made in a light-hearted context and have attracted attention because British monarchs do not typically choose such titles in modern times. While medieval rulers such as William the Conqueror became known by descriptive epithets, contemporary British monarchs are generally referred to by their regnal names rather than honorary titles.
King Charles III has officially been known simply as King Charles III since ascending the throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. Buckingham Palace has not announced any change to the King's official title, and there has been no indication that such a proposal was ever under consideration.
Historical Context
Throughout history, several monarchs acquired descriptive nicknames based on their achievements or reputations, including William the Conqueror, Richard the Lionheart, and Alfred the Great. However, these titles were largely bestowed over time by historians and the public rather than formally adopted by the monarchs themselves.
