A royal baby is due any day now, as Kate Middleton, 36, is currently more than eight months pregnant with her third child with Prince William, 35.
Kate Middleton’s due date is on the 23 April 2018, and she is expected to give birth at the Lindo Wing in Paddington – but what will the baby’s name be?
While many believe the baby will be a girl, one particular female name choice has plummeted in popularity since Kate gave birth to her daughter Princess Charlotte, 2.
The name “Diana” was a hot favourite for royal baby number 2 when Princess Charlotte was born in 2015.
It is the same name as Prince William’s mother, Princess Diana, who passed away in 1997 at the age of 36 due to injuries from a car crash. However, Diana is not a favourite for Kate’s third child. Why is this?
A representative from Ladbrokes, a popular bookies for betting on royal baby names, has explained exclusively to Express.co.uk.
Ladbrokes representative Alex Apati said the name fell from popularity after it was given to Princess Charlotte as one of her middle names. Her full name is Charlotte Elizabeth Diana.
He explained: “Diana was fancied last time around, but we now know that’s a middle name for Charlotte.
“It’s hard to see Kate and William opting for it as a first name should their third child be a girl.”
The name would also put a lot of “pressure” on the child, Alex added.
He said: “Even though we have the ‘heir and the spare’, there will be an extraordinary amount of pressure on this child already.”
“The name Diana will probably only increase that,” he added.
Diana, once described by former British Prime Minister as “the people’s princess”, was hugely famous in her time.
Yesterday, it was revealed betters are “convinced” Kate Middleton will give birth this week.
On Sunday night, odds for the royal baby to be born this week were suspended, with odds of 12/1.
A spokesman said many were “convinced” of the baby’s arrival in the next seven days.
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.
