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Kate And William Announce Royal Baby Name

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have announced their baby daughter is to be called Charlotte Elizabeth Diana.

Kensington Palace said the couple were "delighted" to announce the baby will be known as "Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cambridge".

Bookmakers had made Alice the favourite after a flurry of last minute bets knocked Charlotte off the top spot.

Ladbrokes said that since the baby was born punters had placed more bets on the name than on the General Election.

:: Royal Baby Name Ticks Lots Of Boxes

One lucky royal fan - a woman from Barnes - has won £1,400 after placing £400 on the correct name at odds of 5/2 on Saturday evening.

Sky's Royal Commentator Alastair Bruce said: "It’s a name that has tremendous history. It will always provide a link to the past and opportunity for this young princess to create her own identity as Princess Charlotte."

Mr Bruce said choosing Elizabeth was a "salute to Her Majesty The Queen" who the Duke and Duchess are "hugely fond of".

He added he thought it was "almost inevitable" the name Diana was chosen due to the "extraordinary influence" Prince William's mother had on his life.

The Duke places great importance on honouring Diana's memory, having already used her sapphire and diamond engagement ring when he proposed to Kate.

The name Charlotte is French in origin and means "petite" and "feminine". It is also the middle name of Kate's sister Pippa.

Royal fan Munever Halil, from Catford in south east London, said the name showed William and Kate were in touch with popular modern names.

The 52-year-old, who spent several hours outside Kensington Palace trying to catch a glimpse of the young family, said: "Any name will suit them because they are lovely kids. It's perfect.

"I loved Lady Diana and I feel sad she is not here to see her two grandchildren."

Diana's brother Charles Spencer tweeted: "Perfect names. My 2-year old Charlotte Diana will be thrilled at cousinly name-sharing. Is at an age where thinks world revolves around her!"

The birth of the princess was marked on Monday afternoon by gun salutes across London.

As Big Ben chimed 2pm, 41 volleys rang out across Hyde Park fired by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, and there was a 62-gun salute at Tower Bridge.