Adding their wives' surnames to their monikers was no doubt supposed to be a show of unity in the face of their family feuds - but Adam Peaty and Brooklyn Beckham's affectionate decisions missed the mark, according to an etiquette expert.

Instead of coming across as a 'celebration of equality, commitment and a united front', Laura Windsor told the Daily Mail that the two men's 'timing and public nature of the name changes... undermines what would otherwise be a thoughtful gesture'.

Known as the Queen of Etiquette, having been an expert on all things decorum and elegance for years, she added that the lack of hyphens in their double-barrelled surnames also showed little 'understanding of tradition'. 

Laura, who has previously advised Netflix on Regency-era social graces for the hit series Bridgerton, said the pair's mishap could even suggest the family names are not 'both equally important'.

Following his wedding to Holly Ramsay on Saturday at Bath Abbey, Adam made a huge statement about his future family ties by changing his moniker on social media to Adam Ramsay Peaty.

The name change is the latest sign that the Olympian, 31, has distanced himself from his own family, after uninviting his parents from his wedding.

Adam has followed in the footsteps of Sir David and Victoria Beckham's estranged son Brooklyn, who added his wife Nicola's surname Peltz to his name after marrying the US star in 2022.

Like Adam, the Cloud23 founder, now Brooklyn Peltz Beckham on his Instagram account, has cut ties with his parents, with that family feud cited as the reason he didn't attend Adam and Holly's wedding alongside his siblings, despite being close friends with the bride since childhood.

Adam Ramsay Peaty and Holly Ramsay Peaty leave their wedding at Bath Abbey

Discussing Adam and Brooklyn's name changes (which their wives also, traditionally, adopted), Laura said: 'Taking a loved ones surname can be a wonderful gesture - a celebration of equality, commitment and a united front. 

'However, etiquette is not just about what you do but also how you do things. The public nature of the name changes, and the timing amidst ongoing family drama undermines what would otherwise be a thoughtful and generous gesture.

'Posting it on Instagram has just amplified the problem, shifting our attention from authenticity to public spectacle.'

Laura explained how 'etiquette has evolved' and it is now 'increasingly common for men to adopt their wives’ names' - but she suggested doing so amid family feuds 'may raise questions about their integrity, emotional intelligence and their understanding of tradition'.