King Arthur is back on Facebook after falling foul of Real Name policy

For many, Arthurian legend is just that: legend. But for others, it is very real. One such person is King Arthur -- or Rev Arthur Uther Pendragon to give him his full title -- was recently kicked off Facebook as the social network did not believe he was using his real name.

But now the king is back. Having proved his identity, the once and future king (Rex Quondam Rexque Futuris) has had his account restored under his legal name of Arthur Uther Pendragon. King Arthur is not the first person to cross swords with Facebook's real name policy, and he certainly won't be the last.

For the avoidance of all doubt, Arthur Uther Pendragon is a real man. Arthur Uther Pendragon really is his name. I know. I've met him (in Glastonbury... obviously). As well as being the 'reincarnation of King Arthur', he's also an eco-warrior, leader of the Loyal Arthurian Warband, and 'battle chieftain' of the Council of British Druid Orders. He's more used to battling for access to Stonehenge, and fighting for the right of prisoners who identify as druids to wear their druidic robes in jail.

After having his account reported for failing to use a real name, King Arthur was forced to create a second Facebook account using the name Arthur Rex -- primarily to let people know why he had suddenly vanished from the site. But after showing Facebook copies of his driving license and passport, Arthur Uther Pendragon's original account has been restored:

I'm BACK

I sent Facebook a link to The Article by Tristam Cork in The Western Daily Press and I know The Salisbury Journal rang them up and asked for a quote.

Having already sent copies of my current UK Driving Licence and UK Passport. previous and current.

The Western Daily Press describes the original ban a "treasonous act". King Arthur himself says:

I don't know who keeps falsely reporting me to Facebook as a non-person or a made up name but they do. It's a pity they don't take action against them rather than me.

So what next? Arthur Uther Pendragon is battling with English Heritage over an alcohol ban at Stonehenge (an important site for druids), and plans to charge for parking at the monument.

Photo credit: Roger Nichol / Shutterstock