If there’s one thing we like more than a baby name, it’s learning a new royal baby name. (Sorry commoners!) Even if the names get unbelievably repetitive, it’s always exciting when a new royal is born. It’s fascinating to hear about their moniker that is undoubtedly steeped in historical and familial meaning (or doused in some drama!).
Speaking of that repetition, you could say royal parents-to-be have it easy when it comes to picking out baby names. There’s really only a handful of names that the British Royal family typically chooses from (Charles (or Charlotte), George, Henry, Elizabeth, and Diana have been used again and again!). And narrowing baby name options down can either make the decision really easy, or it can make things upsetting for the parents who want to branch out. Even with only a dozen or so options, there can be disagreements while waiting for the little prince or prince’s arrival.
The late Princess Diana and her daughter-in-law Kate Middleton — both commoners who married into the royal family — apparently found themselves in the latter camp. Both moms-to-be reportedly had disagreements with their husbands over what to name their children.
Last year, resurfaced reports showed that Middleton had “set her heart” on the name “Alexander.” And while she didn’t win the first name “battle,” her eldest son Prince George’s middle name is “Alexander.” The moniker is reportedly in honor of George’s late great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, whose middle name was Alexandra.
And now, there’s continued chatter about Princess Diana’s preferred baby names. The late “People’s Princess” — who tragically died in 1997 — clearly had “set her heart” on William and Harry.
Meanwhile, ex-husband Prince Charles apparently also had “A” names in mind. The now King wanted to name his and Diana’s son’s “Arthur” and “Albert,” per InStyle. Much like Middleton, Diana had to make a concession. Prince William’s full name is William Arthur Philip Louis, and Prince Harry’s full name is Henry “Harry” Charles Albert David.
And so it’s clear that even though they live in a palace and sit on thrones, royal parents are not exempt from the baby naming-struggles all parents go through during pregnancies. And just like us mere peasants, they know a good ol’middle name compromise is sometimes the best way to go.
See the meaning of our favorite royal baby names from around the world.
