Expert: Mark Smith - 6/3/2011

Question
Dear Mr. Smith, I have some research regarding my British ancestors and I have discovered a possible link To Queen Victoria. I know that because most people did not read or write, those who could often relied on phonetics.   I have one person, Captain Jacob Whiddon, who commanded a ship while traveling with Sir Walter Raleigh. I have also found that there is actually Whiddon historical sites that seem to be quite lovely. I am very curious about Queen Victoria and the last name Wettin from Germany. I am, also, interested in Thomas Wyger. Would you be so kind as to help me. Thank You, Theresa Lucinda Whiddon

Answer
Hello Lucinda.
Queen Victoria's surname became Wettin upon her marriage to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in 1840, he was German and his family name was Wettin. So as far as I'm aware it has no links with any English surnames. The name Wettin was also the family name of the Kings of Saxony from which the junior branch of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha is descended.
Mark