‘It’s a good name...’ teases the Duke
WHEN your name will be spoken all around the world for decades to come, it is important to get it right.
So who could blame the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for waiting a little longer to announce the name of their newborn son?
The third Cambridge baby, who was born at 11.01am on Monday, will remain nameless to the wider world for at least a day longer than his older brother and sister, as the Duke and Duchess take their time in sharing their decision.
The names of both Prince George and Princess Charlotte were announced by their proud parents two days after their birth, suggesting the Duke and Duchess are struggling to make up their minds the third time around, or simply savouring their secret for a few precious hours longer.
The Duke yesterday fuelled speculation about the name during a public engagement, telling a man who suggested he could suit Prince Alexander: “Funny you should say that...”
The Duke, who left his two-day-old son at home with the Duchess to attend a commemoration service, teased attendees about the as-yet-unknown name, as the world waited to hear what the Prince would be called.
Told by Alexander Downer, the Australian High Commissioner, that he favoured his own name as a front-runner, the Duke replied: “Funny you should say that… It’s a good name.”
The Dean of Westminster, introducing the Duke to Sir Jerry Mateparae, Mr Downer’s New Zealand counterpart, joked: “Jerry would like it to be Jerry.”
“It’s a strong name, I have to say,” the Duke conceded smiling.
Asked how the Duchess and the baby were doing, the Duke said: “They’re very well, thanks.” The father-of-three said they are “in good form”, adding: “Sleeping is going reasonably well, he’s behaving himself, which is good news.”
The Queen will be informed of the name before it is made public. The Prince of Wales was yesterday travelling back from a service in France, raising the possibility that he could be introduced to his grandson in person before a name is announced.
As the Duchess spent time with her mother and brother, four-year-old Prince George was back at school while Princess Charlotte enjoyed the last day of her Easter holiday from nursery.
The Duke joined Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Westminster Abbey for an Anzac Day commemorative service, honouring fallen war heroes of Australia and New Zealand.
While the Duke’s words stoked speculation, Alexander is not likely to be a final contender as it is one of Prince George’s middle names.
Bookmakers, who reported a lastminute rush on bets, still favour Arthur followed by James, Albert and Philip.
The Prince joins siblings Prince George Alexander Louis, born on July 22 2013 and Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, born on May 2 2015.