The royal baby of Kate Middleton, 36, and Prince William, 35, is due this month, but betters suspect it will be sooner than expected.
Last night, odds for the baby to be born this week were suspended, with odds of 12/1, and a spokesman said many were “convinced” of its arrival in the next seven days.
When is Kate Middleton’s due date? The official due date of April 23 was revealed last week by a royal expert.
Spokesman Paddy Power said: “The speculation around the arrival of the Royal Baby has been going into overdrive.
“Our punters certainly think it’s going to happen soon. We’re now convinced it’s going to be this week.”
Preparations are currently in place for the birth. The royal baby watch outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital began today in Paddington, London, with barriers being installed.
Kate went on her maternity leave last last month after an appearance alongside Prince William at a Commonwealth event in London, and it was officially confirmed by a Kensington Palace spokesperson.
She said: “Today’s public engagements by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be Her Royal Highness’s last before starting her maternity leave.”
The due date isn’t the only aspect of the royal baby watch that bets are taking place on.
The potential royal baby names are another subject of hot speculation, particularly because the gender of the unborn child has not been announced.
Mary remains the favourite name with odds of 3/1, while Alice falls shortly behind with odds of 5/1, for Paddy Power’s royal baby betting odds.
The spokesperson said: “Mary is certainly the name of choice from our punters, who have been backing that name for months.”
Meanwhile, Edward is currently the most popular name for a boy, with odds of 7/1 – making it the third most popular name choice overall.
The names Victoria, Arthur and Henry all have odds of 8/1, while Albert is in last place with odds of 10/1.
However, odds favoured another boys’ name after Kate Middleton’s bump shape suggested she was having a boy.
It was said betting odds have shifted in favour of a certain boys’ name, which is currently the most favoured male baby name.
That name is Philip – the same name as the future baby’s great grandfather, Prince Philip.
The odds have been slashed from 25/1 for the name Philip to the current odds of 16/1.
Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes said the name choice would have a “lovely” significance.
“With Her Majesty being honoured with one of Charlotte’s middle names, it would be a lovely touch if Philip was to be Kate and Wills’ choice for their second son.”
Jessica is referring to Kate Middleton’s daughter Princess Charlotte’s middle name, which is Elizabeth, after Queen Elizabeth. She also has the middle name Diana, after Prince William’s late mother.
