The newborn royal princess has been named Charlotte Elizabeth Diana.
William and Kate’s baby daughter, who was born on Saturday, will be known as Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cambridge. Her name was revealed to senior royals ahead of the public announcement on Monday.
Being the feminine form of Charles, the name Charlotte is of French origin – meaning ‘free woman’ – and has a rich British royal pedigree apart from being the name of the baby’s grandfather, Prince Charles.
There was Queen Charlotte Sophia, the wife of King George III who suffered from porphyria (as depicted in the film ‘The Madness of King George’). There have also, of course, been two British kings named Charles.
The middle names are an obvious tribute to the princess’s deceased grandmother, Princess Diana, and her great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Upon the news, Princess Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer – also first name Charles – expressed his delight in a tweet: “Perfect names. My 2-year old Charlotte Diana will be thrilled at cousinly name-sharing.”
Princess Charlotte will be fourth in line to the British throne after Prince Charles, Prince William, and her brother Prince George.
Photo: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their new baby daughter, Princess Charlotte. (By Justin Ng)