Charlotte Elizabeth Diana
Charlotte The feminine version of Charles is French in origin, meaning “petite.” It had been a favourite according to Britain’s bookmakers. Ironically, it was the pregnancy of George IV’s daughter Charlotte that began the tradition of royal baby bets. Sadly, she died in childbirth. Other famous Princess Charlottes include Charlotte of Brunswick-Luneburg (who wed Peter the Great’s illfated son Alexei in 1711), Charlotte of Denmark (1789-1864) and Charlotte of Prussia (1798-1850). Charlotte is the middle name of Pippa Middleton.
Canadian connection George III’s consort, Queen Charlotte, gave her name to Charlottetown, P.E.I., and Queen Charlotte Sound, B.C.
Elizabeth A popular royal name in medieval Europe, now among the top 50 baby names in the U.K. and former colonies. It entered the British royal family through the marriage of Edward IV to Elizabeth Woodville (1464). Their daughter, Elizabeth of York, wed Henry VII and became mother of Henry VIII, whose daughter became Elizabeth I. Queen Elizabeth II was not named after Elizabeth I but after her own mother, former Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (the Queen Mum).
Canadian connection Canada is the country most visited by Queen Elizabeth II over her 60-year reign, and she has often called it her “second home.”
Diana This touching tribute to William’s devoted mother will mean that a Diana will once again be among the most famous females in the world. The name means “heavenly” or “divine” and has its origins in the goddess of the hunt.
Canadian connection Some say the royal style was reinvented by Diana during her 1983 visit to Canada, when she often crouched to speak with children and those in wheelchairs.