With news breaking in the early hours of this morning that the Duchess of Cambridge had given birth to boy, speculation about the baby’s name began in earnest.
Bookmakers have been inundated with bets on what William and Kate will call His Royal Highness, the Prince of Cambridge, with UK betting company Coral saying the royal birth has been the biggest non-sporting betting event in its history. Bets have been placed on everything from the child’s hair colour to its weight.
With odds of 2/1, James has become the most favoured name, overtaking previous favourite George, which is now at 5/1.
The name James has links to both families, while George has been the name of six kings of England. It is also one of Prince Charles’ middle names.
Whichever name they choose will almost certainly be copied by thousands of other new parents around the world, but the Queen will be told of their decision before anyone else finds out.
Bookmakers have already cashed in on the event, with many punters incorrectly betting on Wills and Kate having a baby girl.
Betting agency Paddy Power also said they took $650,000 in bets in the three hours after it was announced that the Duchess was in labour.
TOP TEN BETTED BOY NAMES
James (2/1)
George (5/1)
Henry (5/1)
Arthur (20/1)
Louis (25/1)
Albert (40/1)
Alexander (40/1)
Benjamin (40/1)
David (40/1)
Philip (40/1)RELATED: Royal mums and bubs!RELATED: All you need to know about the royal baby!Related video: It’s a boy!
RELATED: Royal mums and bubs!
RELATED: All you need to know about the royal baby!
Related video: It’s a boy!
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