British prince named George

LONDON – By George, the royal baby has a name.

Prince William and his wife, Catherine, announced Wednesday that their new baby, the third in line to the British throne, will be named George Alexander Louis.

The announcement puts to rest the final major mystery surrounding the infant, who was born Monday. The formal title of the son of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as the prince and his wife are known, is His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge.

The name George has been the front-runner for days with British bookmakers. Alexander, his second name, was also in the running, along with James and Henry.

There have already been six British kings with the name George. The BBC reported that Alexander is a favorite name of the baby’s mother. Louis is apparently in tribute to Louis Mountbatten, a royal relation who was killed by an Irish Republican Army bomb.

There is no guarantee, however, that the boy will be known as King George VII when he finally ascends to the throne, as British monarchs can pick their so-called regnal names.

The previous King George, George VI, the present queen’s father, had the first name Albert and was known as Bertie among the family, as seen in the movie “The King’s Speech.” George was one of his middle names, but he chose it as his regnal name in honor of his father, George V.

Likewise, Queen Victoria’s given name was actually Alexandrina Victoria.