Royal Princess Named Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana

Image via: metro.co.uk (Picture: PA)

Image via: metro.co.uk (Picture: PA)

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge today announced they have called their daughter Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, Kensington Palace announced this afternoon.

The Princess, who was born on Saturday, May 2, at 8.34am, weighing 8lbs 3oz, will be known as Princess Charlotte.

Her name was announced publicly shortly after she was introduced to her great-grandmother, the Queen.

Kensington Palace said in a short statement: ‘The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to announce that they have named their daughter Charlotte Elizabeth Diana.

‘The baby will be known as Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cambridge.’

Image via: moviesandcelebrity.com

Image via: moviesandcelebrity.com

Charlotte is likely to be a tribute to William’s father the Prince of Wales as it is the feminine form of the name Charles.

And the middle names of the princess obviously recognise her great grandmother the Queen – Elizabeth II – and her grandmother Diana, Princess of Wales.

The name Charlotte had been a favourite with the bookies during the week but in the last few days had been pushed into second place by Alice.

But betting firms have said they would face a huge payout if any of the heavily backed top five names were chosen by the Cambridges.

Princess Charlotte was first introduced to the rest of the world a few hours after being born and despite screams from royal fans and the clicks of dozens of camera shutters the infant did not stir and slept serenely on, wrapped in a shawl and wearing a bonnet.

Proud father William spoke of his joy following the birth earlier that day, telling the waiting press he was ‘very happy’.

He had been at his wife’s side in the delivery room at the private Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington.

Image via: metro.co.uk (Picture: PA)

Image via: metro.co.uk (Picture: PA)

The Duke’s father the Prince of Wales – who said he wanted his second grandchild to be a girl – and Duchess of Cornwall were left ‘absolutely delighted’ by the news, Clarence House has said.

Among the bookies the names Alice and Charlotte were vying for top spot – with tens of thousands wagered by punters – but the name Olivia was also attracting bets.

William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams said: ‘It has been mayhem with Charlotte and Alice very much the favourites. This late move for Olivia has taken us by surprise and it has to be a strong contender.’

He said Charlotte was once again the favourite at 3/1, with Alice 7/2, while Olivia had been the big mover cut from 33/1 to 5/1.

Bookmaker Coral has also slashed the odds on the new princess being called Olivia.