When the Duchess of Cambridge was pregnant with Prince George her friends and family sent her a stream of possible names. This time the name guessing game has become a national hobby.George was in honour of the Queen's beloved father. So who might the Duchess, née Kate Middleton, and Prince William pay tribute to this time?
Royals fans like Alice which was the name of Prince Philip's mother and Queen's Victoria's daughter
For girls – and many well-wishers including Prince Charles are hoping for one – Alice is the frontrunner. It is top of the bookies' list because Kate followers have noted that she wrote a dissertation at university on Lewis Carroll story Alice in Wonderland.
There have been several royal Alices: Prince Philip's mother Alice of Batternberg, as well as Queen Victoria's daughter, who was famous for her compassion and advocacy of women's rights, and her granddaughter.
George was named after the Queen's father and grandfather
Charlotte headed the list with the public last time and it remains a strong favourite. Queen Charlotte was the wife of George III, who reigned from 1760 until 1820. She had a reputation as kindly, elegant and a patron of the arts, who sponsored musicians such as Handel, Bach and Mozart. The name would also be revelant for the Middletons as Kate's younger sister is Pippa Charlotte.
Obviously Diana would be a lovely way to remember William's mother and it is HELLO! readers' top choice. Elizabeth, Victoria and Mary may well be considered too because of their royal connections.
Mary of Teck, the Queen's grandmother, was the wife of George V. As the daughter of the Duke of Cambridge, her mother Mary Adelaide was actually the last Princess of Cambridge.
For boys James, Arthur and Albert are all favourite royal names
Alexandra has to be a frontrunner as it is one of the Queen's middle names. There have also been several in the royal family including the wife and daughter of Edward VII as well as the cousin of the current sovereign.
Queen Alexandra, who was consort in the early 20th century, was popular for her devotion to charity, big heart and stylish wardrobe.
As a result of a childhood operation she had a scar on her neck that she hid with chokers or high necklaces. Her effect on fashion was said to be so far reaching that when she hurt her leg society ladies began to copy her limping gait. In another trait similar to Kate she was a keen amateur photographer. So George's sister may well be a Princess Alexandra.
Diana is the favourite girls' name for HELLO! readers
If it's another boy Charles, Albert, Philip or Arthur, which is one of the Prince of Wales' middle names, are likely to be good bets. Queen Victoria's son and grandson were both called Arthur, while the most famous Albert was her husband, the Prince Consort.In royal circles the tradition is for several names: the Duke was christened William Arthur Philip Louis, while his brother Prince Harry is Henry Charles Albert David. So the royal parents have plenty of room for choice.
As the name of several kings of England and Scotland James would be another traditional choice. While it is popular with the public there are already two in their families – Kate's brother James Middleton and James, Viscount Severn, the seven-year-old son of William's uncle Prince Edward. It might, however, feature as one of the middle names.
