Britain’s new princess’s name reflects her royal lineage
LONDON – It’s a name that immediately evokes British royal history: Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana.
Prince William and his wife Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, on Monday announced the name they picked for Britain’s newborn princess, a choice seen as a tribute to both Prince William’s parents and grandmother, the queen, as well as a link to Kate’s family.
The princess, the second child of William and Kate, will be known as Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, royal officials said.
The birth of Princess Charlotte marks a new chapter for William and Kate, widely seen as the monarchy’s most modern, popular couple. But the names they chose are firmly rooted in royal family history. Charlotte, the feminine form of Charles, appears to be a nod to the newborn’s grandfather, Prince Charles. The baby’s middle names honor Queen Elizabeth II, the infant’s 89-year-old great-grandmother, and the late Princess Diana, William’s mother and the baby’s grandmother.
Charlotte also features in Kate’s family, as the middle name of her sister, Pippa Middleton.
The newborn princess is fourth in line to the throne after Charles, William and her older brother, 21-month-old Prince George.
William and Kate introduced the baby princess to the world Saturday evening, just 12 hours after Kate checked into St. Mary’s Hospital in London to give birth. The baby weighed in at 8 pounds, 3 ounces.
Earlier Monday, Westminster Abbey’s bells pealed and gun salutes were fired across London in honor of the newborn princess. In a display of traditional pageantry, dozens of deafening volleys were fired from Hyde Park and the Tower of London to mark the occasion.
Bookmakers face a large payout – Charlotte had been a front-runner, alongside other guesses.
“Charlotte was the hot tip over the weekend,” said Ladbrokes spokeswoman Jessica Bridge, who estimated that the industry may lose 1 million pounds ($1.51 million) over the name. “We may have lost a fortune, but we’re paying out with a smile and wish the duke and duchess all the best.”
Another bookmaker, William Hill, said they were relieved because their top bet had been Alice. Spokesman Rupert Adams said 5,096 bettors correctly guessed the name and his firm would pay out just over 100,000 pounds ($151,100).