William plays cat and mouse with Jerry name jest

THE DUKE of Cambridge defied the bookmakers’ odds yesterday by suggesting that his new son may be called Jerry.

Without obvious Royal derivation, it seemed unlikely to displace the more favoured options of Arthur, Albert or Philip, but it did seem to have the approval of the Dean of Westminster.

It was as William met Sir Jerry Mateparae, New Zealand High Commissioner to the UK, in Westminster Abbey at the service to mark Anzac Day, that the Dean joked about the name.

“Jerry would like it to be Jerry,” he said.

William replied that Jerry was “a strong name”.

Asked how the Duchess and the baby were, he replied: “They’re very well thanks,” and added that sleeping was “going reasonably well so far”.

Royals traditionally keep the public guessing before revealing their choice of name, but bookies did cut their odds on Alexander after a conversation between William and the Australian High Commissioner – Alexander Downer – was reported.

“Have you thought of the name Alexander for him?”Mr Downer had said.

“Well, it’s funny you should say that,” replied the duke. “It’s a good name.”

Alex Apati, of Ladbrokes, said: “We’re not entirely convinced about this one given that Prince George’s middle name is Alexander, but punters clearly think they’re onto something and we’ve had to respond accordingly.”

But for many, the smart money was on Albert, the name of Queen Victoria’s beloved consort, and the first name of the Queen’s father, George VI, who was known within the family as Bertie.