The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
‘WE WERE FIRST WITH BABY LOUIS’
Royals: Cambridges’ choice a surprise as it’ s Prince George’ s middle name
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have named their baby son Louis Arthur Charles.
The couple’s third child, who was born on Monday April 23 at 11.01am, weighing 8lb 7oz, will be known as Prince Louis, Kensington Palace announced after a four-day wait. The palace said in a short statement: “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to announce that they have named their son Louis Arthur Charles.
“The baby will be known as His Royal Highness Prince Louis of Cambridge.”
The baby is fifth in line to the throne and the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh’s sixth great-grandchild.
William and Kate’s choice came as a surprise because the name is already one of Prince George’s middle names.
It pays tribute to the Prince of Wales’s greatuncle, Earl Mountbatten, who was murdered by the IRA. Bookmakers had Arthur as the favourite for some time, with James and Philip also popular.
Alexander became a later front-runner after William remarked on the name at a church service, as did Albert as the wait for the baby’s name stretched on.
Middle name Charles is a tribute to the duke’s father, the Prince of Wales. The duke and duchess will have informed the Queen before asking the Palace to announce their son’s name.
On Thursday evening at an event with Prince Harry, William revealed that the couple were still deciding, telling reporters who asked about the name: “I’m working on that.” He also took a break from caring for the prince to carry out royal duties on Wednesday when he joined Harry and Meghan Markle at an Anzac Day service in London.
The duke told guests that Kate and the baby were “in good form, luckily” and added: “Sleeping’s going reasonably well so far.”