World, meet Prince Louis! Prince William and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, have finally announced the name of their newest addition on Friday, putting an end to days of speculation.
The royal family said in an Instagram post that “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 Instagram post added.
Bookies had Alexander as the hot favourite after Prince William made an off-hand comment to Australia’s High Commissioner to the UK, Alexander Downer, on Wednesday.
William met with Downer at an Anzac Day service in London, and when Downer joked that his own name would be a good choice, the prince commented, “Funny you should say that, it is a good name”, sending odds through the roof.
Other favourites in the name stakes were Arthur, Albert, James and Philip, the latter after the Queen’s husband. Charles was an unexpected addition, while Louis is Prince William’s and little Prince George’s third name.
The Duchess of Cambridge is understandably yet to make her first official appearance since giving birth, but William was overheard telling guests at the Anzac service that mother and baby are doing well.
“Sleeping’s going reasonably well, so he’s behaving himself, which is good news,” he joked.
The Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to the new prince on Monday at the Lindo wing at St Mary’s Hospital.
Kensington Palace made the announcement on social media, saying: “Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 1101hrs,” the royal family said. “The baby weighs 8lbs 7oz. The Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth. Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well.”
The new baby didn’t stay hidden for long and just seven hours later, Catherine and William presented their new child to the world on the steps of the hospital. Earlier, Louis’ older siblings Prince George and Princess Charlotte arrived at the hospital to meet their brother and Charlotte stole hearts giving her very first royal wave to the crowds.
The adorable princess was every bit the proud sister as she arrived at the Lindo Wing with her father and offered a shy smile and a wave to the cheering crowd as they made their way inside the hospital. Even Britain’s steely jawed reporters waiting in the press area couldn’t resist letting out an “awww” when she turned around on the hospital steps to offer a bold wave goodbye.
Charlotte already appears to be the more outgoing of the young royals, while George has seemed a little bemused by all the media attention that follows the family wherever they go.
William and Catherine have made no secret of their wish to raise their children in an environment that’s a ‘normal’ as possible, and more in line with the Duchess’ own upbringing than William’s royal surroundings.
Both George and Charlotte attend local schools close to home — in stark contrast to William and Prince Harry’s own experiences at boarding school outside of London — and the new prince is likely to follow suit.