The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
‘Jerry’s a strong name’... but Arthur still bookies’ favourite
Royal family: Duke jokes about baby prince’s name at Anzac Day service
The Duke of Cambridge may have hinted at his preferences for naming his newborn son when he remarked on a guest’s “strong name”.
As the wait continues to see what the baby prince of Cambridge will be called, William returned to royal duties yesterday by joining Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at an Anzac Day service in London.
As William met Sir Jerry Mateparae, New Zealand High Commissioner to the UK in Westminster Abbey, the Dean of Westminster joked about the eagerly anticipated name, saying: “Jerry would like it to be Jerry.”
William replied: “Jerry’s a strong name.”
Asked how the duchess and the baby were, the duke replied: “They’re very well, thanks.”
He said they are “in good form, luckily”, and added: “Sleeping’s going reasonably well so far so he’s behaving himself, which is good news.”
Punters are still trying to guess what the duke and duchess have chosen to call the baby prince.
Bookmakers reported a late flurry of bets on Albert – the name of Queen Victoria’s beloved consort and the actual first name of the Queen’s father, George VI.
Coral said Albert was now 5-1, but a Prince Arthur remains the favourite at 5-2, closely followed by James at 4-1.
Harry Aitkenhead, of Coral, said: “We’re expecting the announcement in the next few hours and punters are rushing to get their bets on as the excitement builds.
“At the moment Arthur remains the favourite but we’re seeing a lot of money for Albert at the last minute.”
Philip – in tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh – is at 8-1, Alexander 10-1, Henry 12-1, and Frederick, Edward or Thomas 16-1.
The baby – William and Kate’s third child – was born on Monday at 11.01am weighing 8lb 7oz. The duke and duchess have been caring for their son at Kensington Palace, where they are settling into life as a family of five.
Royals traditionally keep the public guessing before revealing their choice of name.
William and Kate will want to share the name with the Queen and the rest of their family before making it public. Prince George and Princess Charlotte’s names were announced two days after they born.
Kensington Palace said it would be announced in “due course”.
The Queen’s father, George VI, was actually Albert Frederick Arthur George and always known to his family as Bertie.
Shy, stammering Bertie was forced to become king when his brother, Edward VIII, abdicated but won the nation’s affection by standing firm in London during the Second World War.