Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

People: Royal baby’s name has Brits guessing

The name of the newborn British princess, pictured Saturday, is not yet announced. (Associated Press)
From Wire Reports

Princess Charlotte has a certain ring to it. Or how about Princess Alice?

Britain’s newborn princess, the second child of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, has spent her first night at home in London’s Kensington Palace, but the guessing game continues Sunday over what her name will be.

When the baby’s older brother, Prince George, was born in 2013, the royal couple took two days to reveal his name, waiting until after Queen Elizabeth II had met her new great-grandson.

Meanwhile, Britain’s legal bookmakers have been busy taking in thousands of bets for the baby’s name. For weeks, they have been saying that Alice is the clear favorite. But in recent days, Charlotte, the feminine form of Charles, has become the front-runner.

Other top possibilities include Olivia, Victoria, Elizabeth, Alexandra and Diana, the name of William’s late mother.

Many think it is likely that William and Kate would use the name Diana – though probably as one of the baby’s middle names to avoid comparisons with her late grandmother. Like most royals, the baby’s brother, Prince George, has more than one middle name (George Alexander Louis), and the same treatment is expected for her.

William and Kate introduced the baby princess Saturday evening to the world, just 12 hours after Kate checked into London’s St. Mary’s Hospital to give birth. The baby weighed in at 8 pounds, 3 ounces.

The couple issued a statement of thanks Sunday in response to the outpouring of goodwill and international interest in their baby.

William’s father and stepmother, Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, went to Kensington Palace on Sunday to visit the baby for the first time, joining Kate’s parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, and her sister Pippa.

Prince Harry, who is in Australia, said about his new niece: “She is absolutely beautiful. I can’t wait to meet her.”

The birthday bunch

Opera singer Roberta Peters is 85. Singer-actress Pia Zadora is 63. Country singer Randy Travis is 56. Actress Mary McDonough is 54. Comedian Ana Gasteyer is 48. Actor Will Arnett is 45. Rock Christian singer Chris Tomlin is 43. Singer Lance Bass (’N Sync) is 36.