I thought this was the same in all languages (my reference was German) because names are singular terms, even in British English, but apparently there are special rules.
That would make sense if before that divorce, the British didn't use singular terms in plural constructions. Otherwise it must have to do with something else. It doesn't make much sense to me. For example, consider:
They vary between British and American English. In this case, either would acceptable depending on your dialect.
Also very noticeable with sports teams.
American: “Team Spain is going to the final.”
British: “Team Spain are going to the final.”
https://editorsmanual.com/articles/collective-nouns-singular...