William and Kate favour ‘strong name’ for son

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 joined 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.”

The duke and duchess have been caring for their two day old 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.

The Duke of Cambridge