‘Alexander’ new favourite royal baby name, with very unlikely inspiration

Prince William has dropped a big hint about the name of their new son, and it could have a somewhat unlikely inspiration.

Betting houses told The Express newspaper that Alexander was a new favourite, with one punter placing a £500 bet at odds of 10/1 at Ladbrokes on the newest British royal being given the name. The surge in bets on Alexander dropped it to 3/1, tying with previous favourite Arthur. 

The new interest in Alexander, after Arthur had been leading the pack on likely royal baby names, came after William met with former MP Alexander Downer, who’s currently the Australian High Commissioner in London. After Downer joked with the young royal that his own name would be a good choice, Prince William replied, “Funny you should say that, it is a good name”.

That said, Jerry Materparae, New Zealand’s high commissioner in London, also put in a good word for his own name, with William politely replying in a similar vein by saying that “Jerry’s a strong name, absolutely”.

Read more: Duchess Catherine’s post-baby photos spark debate on ‘The Project’

Downer had a friendly conversation with William, in which he asked if mother and baby were both well. “Very well,” the prince replied. “Sleeping’s going reasonably well, so he’s behaving himself, which is good news”.

Royal watchers, however, weren’t convinced that Alexander would be chosen, despite the flurry in bets, with some noting that Prince George’s second name was Alexander.

Well-known US royal commentator Victoria Arbiter tweeted that William and wife Catherine were likely to hold off on announcing the name until Prince Charles had returned from official engagements in France and was able to meet his new grandson.

As “strong” names go Alexander seems to fit the bill, but it’s George’s middle name so… #royalbaby

— Victoria Arbiter (@victoriaarbiter) April 25, 2018

Charles himself has confessed he’s a little nervous about the prospect of handling three grandchildren, however. The royal released a statement saying that he and wife Camilla were “so pleased at the news” of the birth. “It is a great joy to have another grandchild, the only trouble is I don’t know how I am going to keep up with them,” Charles joked in the statement.

Prince George is called George Alexander Louis, while Princess Charlotte is called Charlotte Elizabeth Diana. Arthur is one of Prince William’s second names, along with Philip and Louis, while Prince Harry’s full name is Henry Charles Albert David.

What do you think would be the most appropriate name for the new baby?