Prince William has said the royals are “very much not a racist family” in his first comments after accusations by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in a TV interview with Oprah Winfrey.
The Duke of Cambridge also said he had not yet spoken to his brother but would do so.
Meghan and Prince Harry said a royal had expressed concern over “how dark” their son Archie’s skin might be.
Buckingham Palace previously said the claim was “concerning” but it would be addressed privately.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said “recollections may vary” but that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would “always be much loved family members”.
During a visit to a school in Stratford, east London, on March 11, Prince William was asked by a reporter: “Is the Royal Family a racist family, sir?”
The prince replied: “We’re very much not a racist family.”
Asked whether he had spoken to Prince Harry since the Oprah interview, the Duke of Cambridge said: “No, I haven’t spoken to him yet but I will do.”
Prince William’s visit is not the first appearance by a senior royal since the interview aired – Prince Charles carried out an engagement earlier this week.
In the TV interview, Meghan told Oprah there were “concerns and conversations about how dark [Archie’s] skin might be when he was born”.
Both Prince Harry and Meghan Markle refused to say who made the comment – but Harry later clarified to Oprah that it was not the Queen or the Duke of Edinburgh.
During the interview Prince Harry also said it hurt him that his family never spoke out about the “colonial undertones” of news headlines and articles.
Asked by Oprah if the couple left the UK because of racism from the tabloid media, Prince Harry replied: “It was a large part of it.”
In the interview, Prince Harry also spoke about his relationship with his family – especially with his father, the Prince of Wales, and brother Prince William.
At one point after stepping back as senior royals, Prince Harry said Prince Charles “stopped taking my calls”.
And of William, Prince Harry said: “The relationship is ‘space’ at the moment. And time heals all things, hopefully.”
Buckingham Palace issued a response to the interview earlier this week following crisis meetings involving senior royals.
Figures from CBS suggest that nearly 50 million people around the world have watched Oprah’s interview with the couple.
The fallout from the interview has also seen broadcaster Piers Morgan leave his role as host of Good Morning Britain, after his comments about Meghan Markle attracted 41,000 complaints.
Queen Elizabeth II has summoned senior royals
to Sandringham on January 13 for face-to-face talks to discuss the future roles
of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
According to local reports, Prince Harry,
Prince William and Prince Charles will all attend, while Meghan is expected
join the discussion over the phone from Canada.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex say they plan to step back as senior members
of the Royal Family.
There is no suggestion a conclusion will be reached at the meeting.
Prince Harry and Meghan also said they plan to split their time between the
UK and North America, while “continuing to honor our duty to the Queen,
the Commonwealth, and our patronages”.
There are likely to be tax implications to any decision to base themselves outside the UK.
The meeting at the Queen’s estate in Norfolk – being described as the
‘Sandringham summit’ – will be the first time the monarch has come face-to-face
with Prince Harry since the Sussexes’ announcement, which was posted on their
official Instagram account.
The Royal Family was said to be “hurt” at the couple’s statement.
It is understood the Queen was not consulted in advance of their decision.
Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, William and Harry are expected to review
a range of possibilities for the Sussexes, taking into account plans outlined
by the couple.
If a deal is agreed in the coming days, there is a general understanding
that it will take some time to implement.
Prince Charles is currently in Oman, after travelling overnight to attend the first of three days of official condolences following the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said.
Kate Middleton and Prince William have named their third child Louis Arthur Charles.
Prince Louis was born on April 23 at the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in London, weighing 8lb 7oz.
According to a statement issued by Kensington Palace, Kate Middleton and Prince William’s second son would be known as His Royal Highness Prince Louis of Cambridge (pronounced Lou-ee, not Lou-iss).
Louis is also one of the middle names of Prince William and of the new prince’s older brother, George.
It was also the first name of Lord Mountbatten – his great-great-great uncle – who was killed by the IRA in 1979.
Lord Mountbatten had a strong influence in the upbringing of great-nephew Prince Charles and was described by the latter as “the grandfather I never had”.
Arthur is also one of Prince William’s middle names, and was a middle name of King George VI – Queen Elizabeth’s father.
Kate Middleton missed Prince George’s first day at school as she was not well enough to take him.
Prince William dropped the 4-year-old son off as Kensington Palace said Kate Middleton, who is suffering from severe morning sickness, was still unwell.
Prince George is attending Thomas’s Battersea, a $23,500-a-year preparatory school in London.
His uniform includes navy shorts and jacket, long red socks and black shoes.
The milestone for Prince George comes after Kate Middleton and Prince William this week announced they are expecting their third child.
Kate Middleton had to pull out of public engagements on September 4 and 5 because she is suffering from hypremesis gravidarum, as with her previous two pregnancies.
Prince William drove the little prince through the school gates before helping him out of the car.
The father carried the son’s bag and held his hand as the pair walked up to the entrance.
They were then greeted by Helen Haslem, head of lower school, and Prince George shook her hand before being accompanied to his first class.
Prince William told Helen Haslem that Prince George had been eagerly watching and he had “noticed” the other boys going into the school in their uniforms.
The royal has joined a class of 20 other pupils and has his own desk and peg with his name on. He will begin by doing half days as a “gentle” introduction to school life.
Ben Thomas, principal of Thomas’s London Day Schools, said there would be no special treatment for Prince George.
“We are going to try and make this a really happy, safe and secure time,” the principal said.
“I hope he will have the confidence to be himself with all his quirks and his idiosyncrasies and characteristics – that’s what I would want for all of our children.”
The uniform for Thomas’s Battersea is only available at the Peter Jones department store in Sloane Square or from the second-hand uniform shop at the school.
For boys in reception class, the outfit consists of a navy jacket, a v-neck jersey and navy Bermuda shorts.
In winter, this is accompanied by a red polo neck and long red and navy socks.
In summer, short-sleeved light blue shirts are required – which Prince George was sporting on his first day – along with navy ankle socks.
Notable alumni at Thomas’s Battersea include Florence Welch – from Florence and the Machine – model and actress Cara Delevingne and Fresh Meat star Charlotte Ritchie.
The school was described by the Good Schools Guide as: “A big, busy, slightly chaotic school for cosmopolitan parents who want their children to have the best English education money can buy.”
One cameraman and one photographer were at the school to capture Prince George’s first day, as Princes William and Harry went to Wetherby School in Kensington, before both going on to Eton College, in Berkshire.
Their father, Prince Charles, was initially educated at home by a governess, but later attended the Cheam Preparatory School, in Berkshire.
Prince William has previously pleaded for the press to respect his son’s privacy.
Kate Middleton and Prince William have marked Prince George’s third birthday by releasing four official pictures.
The photos show Prince George at the family’s Norfolk home, Anmer Hall, and were taken in mid-July by photographer Matt Porteous.
One of them shows him playing with the family dog Lupo.
Prince George Alexander Louis – aka His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge – was born on July 22 2013.
Photo PA
A Kensington Palace spokesman said: “The Duke and Duchess hope that people will enjoy seeing these new photographs.
“They would like to thank everyone for all the lovely messages they have received as Prince George celebrates his third birthday.”
However, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has criticized the picture of the little prince holding an ice cream close to the mouth of the family dog.
A RSPCA spokesman said: “It is lovely that Prince George is trying to help keep his family dog, Lupo, cool in these high temperatures.
“We would advise people to be cautious when giving their dogs food meant for human consumption as some items, like chocolate, can be highly toxic to dogs and dairy items can be difficult for them to digest.
“Instead of ice cream we would suggest making an ice lolly from pet-friendly ingredients. Making these can be really fun for children and the end product is both safe and enjoyable for dogs.”
Prince William, Kate Middleton and Prince Harry will host a dinner for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama on April 22, Kensington Palace has announced.
Photo Getty Images
“Their Royal Highnesses are very much looking forward to welcoming President and Mrs. Obama to Kensington Palace,” a statement from Kensington Palace said.
The Obamas will visit Kensington after joining the Queen for lunch at Windsor Castle – the day after her 90th birthday celebrations.
The US president will also stage a press conference with UK’s PM David Cameron.
Barack Obama’s UK stay is part of a tour including Saudi Arabia and Germany.
Prince William and Kate Middleton have announced the nursery school Prince George is to attend alongside the release of a new picture of their family.
Prince George, 2, will go to the Westacre Montessori School Nursery in Norfolk from January.
A nursery spokesman said: “We are looking forward to welcoming George to our nursery.”
The nursery is close to Prince William and Kate Middleton’s home, Anmer Hall.
The nursery said Prince George would “get the same special experience as all of our children”.
Photo Chris Jelf
The new picture shows the duke and duchess with their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte in the garden at Kensington Palace. It was taken in late October by photographer Chris Jelf.
Kensington Palace said that the royal couple were “very much looking forward to their first Christmas as a family of four” and “hugely appreciative of all the warm messages they have received about their family this year”.
The early learning at the Westacre Montessori School was rated good by Ofsted after an inspection in June 2015. It costs £5.50 an hour or £33 a day to attend the nursery.
The school follows the principles of an Italian doctor called Maria Montessori who developed a new approach to teaching in the early 20th Century, in which children take responsibility for their own learning.
Prince William was the first senior royal to go to nursery and not start his education in a palace.
Prince William, Kate Middleton and Prince Harry have joined Spectre stars for its world premiere in London.
Daniel Craig, Monica Belluci and Lea Seydoux walked the red carpet ahead of the Royal Albert Hall screening.
Spectre is the first James Bond movie to open in theaters on the same day as its premiere.
The movie goes on general release in the UK and Ireland on October 26.
Cast members Christoph Waltz, Naomie Harris, Andrew Scott, Ben Whishaw, and Ralph Fiennes also attended the screening.
The 24th official entry in the franchise sees James Bond battling a criminal syndicate led by Franz Oberhauser, played by Christoph Waltz.
Spectre is directed by Skyfall‘s Sam Mendes, who is also on the red carpet with producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.
Daniel Craig said Sam Mendes was “one of the best directors there is” and that he had enjoyed being “creatively involved from the very beginning”.
Spectre is the third James Bond movie chosen for the Royal Film Performance since its inception in 1946. It follows previous premieres for Die Another Day (2002) and Skyfall (2012).
Early reviews have been positive.
Spectre was shot at Pinewood Studios and filmed on location in London, Mexico City, Rome and Tangier and Erfoud, in Morocco.
The shadowy organization SPECTRE – which was previously an acronym for the Special Executive for Counter-Intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion – last made an appearance in 1971’s Diamonds Are Forever, with Sean Connery as James Bond.
Kensington Palace has issued an appeal to world media not to publish unauthorized images of Prince George as paparazzi harassment of the third in line to the UK throne has increased and photographers’ tactics are becoming increasingly dangerous.
Some paparazzi had gone to “extreme lengths” to take pictures and “a line has been crossed”, the palace said.
It wants to “inform discussion” on unauthorized photography of children.
The Kensington Palace said a small number of media organizations, mostly in Germany, France, Australia, New Zealand and the US, had published photos of two-year-old Prince George in “unacceptable circumstances”.
However, it said the “vast majority”, and all UK publications, had refused.
The palace says in recent months, photographers have:
Used long range lenses to photograph Kate Middleton playing with her son in private parks
Monitored the movements of Prince George and his nanny around London parks, as well as the movements of other household staff
Photographed the children of private individuals visiting Prince William and Kate Middleton’s home
Pursued cars leaving family homes
Used other children to draw Prince George into view around playgrounds
Hidden on private property in fields and woodland locations around Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Norfolk home
Obscured themselves in sand dunes on a rural beach to take photos of Prince George playing with his grandmother
Placed locations near the home of Kate Middleton’s parents in Berkshire under steady surveillance
The palace said the most recent incident, which was last week, involved a photographer who was discovered by police lying down in the boot of a rented car attempting to shoot photos outside a children’s play area.
Photo Getty Images
Kensington Palace tweeted: “The Duke and Duchess want to extend their thanks for the kind and supportive messages they have received in recent months.
“They have been delighted to share photos of their children and will continue to do so in the months and years ahead.
“Yet undercover paparazzi continue to pursue their children, selling images of Prince George to international publications.”
In the published letter, Kensington Palace communications secretary Jason Knauf said Prince George had become the paparazzi’s “number one target”.
He said: “It is of course upsetting that such tactics – reminiscent as they are of past surveillance by groups intent on doing more than capturing images – are being deployed to profit from the image of a two-year-old boy.
“In a heightened security environment such tactics are a risk to all involved.
“The worry is that it will not always be possible to quickly distinguish between someone taking photos and someone intending to do more immediate harm.”
Jason Knauf said Prince William and Kate Middleton wanted Prince George and his sister Princess Charlotte “to be free to play in public and semi-public spaces with other children without being photographed”.
They want to give their children a childhood that is “free from harassment and surveillance”, he said.
The Metropolitan Police said in a statement: “The covert actions of photographers have at times caused concerns during police protection operations when they have been considered a possible security threat.
“Photographers are potentially putting themselves at risk from armed intervention where our armed officers perceive a risk to the personal safety of their principal, the public and themselves.”
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s second child, Princess Charlotte, has been christened at the Church of St Mary Magdalene in Sandringham.
Prince William and Kate Middleton pushed the princess in a baby carriage Queen Elizabeth II used for two of her own children.
With the christening of Princess Charlotte, the Cambridges made their first public outing as a family of four.
Several thousand well wishers greeted the royals, while Prince George delighted the crowds on foot.
Prince William and Kate Middleton announced ahead of Princess Charlotte’s christening that they had chosen five godparents for their second child.
The christening was held at the Church of St Mary Magdalene, and attended by guests including the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh.
Other attendees included Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, Kate Middleton’s parents Michael and Carole Middleton, and her two siblings, Pippa and James.
The baptism, conducted by Archbishop of Canterbury the Most Reverend Justin Welby, was held in private.
Princess Charlotte has two fewer godparents than her brother George, and none from within royal circles.
The five include Kate Middleton’s cousin Adam Middleton, Prince William’s cousin Lady Laura Fellowes and Thomas van Straubenzee, a friend of the duke’s.
The final two are Prince William’s friend James Meade – who read the lesson during the service – and Kate Middleton’s friend Sophie Carter.
Thomas van Straubenzee, whom William met at Ludgrove Prep School, and James Meade, a friend from Eton, were both ushers at the duke and duchess’s wedding and gave speeches at the reception.
Lady Laura Fellowes is the daughter of Baroness Jane Fellowes – a sister of Princess Diana.
Like her brother Prince George, Princess Charlotte was christened in a replica of the lace and satin christening gown made for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Victoria, the princess royal, in 1841.
The original was worn by all royal babies until the christening of Prince Edward’s son James, Viscount Severn, in 2008.
Princess Charlotte was christened using the ornate silver gilt Lily Font which is usually on show as part of the crown jewels at the Tower of London.
Among those gathered to catch a glimpse of the princess was 80-year-old royal enthusiast Terry Hutt, who camped overnight to get a good spot.
Prince Harry was among those missing from the ceremony. He is currently spending three months in Africa.
St Mary Magdalene is the church used by Queen Elizabeth when she is resident on her private estate.
Following the service, Prince William and Kate Middleton hosted a tea at Sandringham House where guests were served slices of christening cake, which is a tier from their wedding cake.
Princess Charlotte will be christened on Sunday, July 5, at a ceremony attended by Queen Elizabeth II and other senior members of the Royal Family in Norfolk.
Prince William and Kate Middleton, Prince George and Princess Charlotte will appear as a family of four in public for the first time at the baptism.
Other guests will include the Prince Charles and Camilla Bowels as well as Kate Middleton’s parents.
The ceremony will take place at the Church of St Mary Magdalene in Sandringham.
The baptism, conducted by Archbishop of Canterbury the Most Reverend Justin Welby, will be held in private.
Members of the public will be allowed into the area outside the church – known as the paddock – to see Princess Charlotte and other royals arrive and depart.
Charlotte’s godparents will be announced ahead of the service.
Other guests will include the Duke of Edinburgh and Kate Middleton’s two siblings – Pippa and James Middleton.
Like Prince George, Princess Charlotte will be christened in a replica of the lace and satin christening gown made for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Victoria, the princess royal, in 1841.
Princess Charlotte will be christened using the ornate silver gilt Lily Font which is usually on show as part of the crown jewels at the Tower of London.
Norfolk police are expecting large crowds near the 16th century church and have urged people to arrive early for the opening of the paddock gates at 15:00 BST. The ceremony is due to start at 16:30.
Anyone bringing flowers will be asked to give them to representatives of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, where Kate Middleton is a patron, who will then take them to hospices in the region.
A Kensington Palace spokesman said: “The duke and duchess are hugely grateful for the warm wishes they have received since Princess Charlotte’s birth – many of them from local people in Norfolk – and are delighted the paddock can be opened on the day of the christening.”
Prince Harry will be among those missing from the ceremony. He is currently spending three months in Africa.
St Mary Magdalene is the church used by Queen Elizabeth when she is resident on her private estate.
Archbishop Welby will give an address. He will be supported by The Reverend Canon Jonathan Riviere, the Rector of the Sandringham group of parishes.
Mario Testino has been asked by Prince William and Kate Middleton to take the official photographs after the service.
A very special photo of newborn Princess Charlotte with her older brother Prince George is to be released on Saturday, June 6 by Kensington Palace.
Princess Charlotte was born on May 2 at London’s St Mary’s Hospital, weighing 8lbs 3oz.
Kensington Palace announced on Twitter: “We’ll be posting a very special photo of Prince George & his little sister Princess Charlotte late tonight. Can’t wait to share it with you!”
Yesterday, Kensington Palace announced Princess Charlotte will be christened on Sunday, July 5.
Princess Charlotte’s christening will take place at St Mary Magdalene Church at the Queen’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
Prince William, Kate Middleton and their children have been at their home, Anmer Hall, since leaving London shortly after the birth of the princess.
The royal couple is expected to be based there for the next few years as they raise Princess Charlotte and Prince George, who is almost two, with the help of a full-time nanny.
Princess Charlotte is the fourth in line to the UK’s throne and her full name has been registered as Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Cambridge.
Princess Charlotte will be christened on Sunday, July 5, Kensington Palace has announced.
The christening of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s daughter will take place at St Mary Magdalene Church at the Queen’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
Princess Charlotte was born on May 2 at St Mary’s Hospital in London, weighing 8lb 3oz.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said he was “delighted” to have been invited to conduct the baptism.
He said: “It will be an extraordinary honor and privilege to help welcome the princess into the family of the church.”
Photo Reuters
The princess is the fourth in line to the UK’s throne and her full name has been registered as Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Cambridge.
On June 1, Prince William returned to work as a pilot with the East Anglian Air Ambulance after taking a break over the birth of Princess Charlotte.
Prince William, Kate Middleton and their children have been at their home Anmer Hall on the Sandringham estate since leaving London shortly after the birth of the princess, their second child.
The family is expected to be based at Anmer Hall for the next few years as they raise Princess Charlotte and their first born Prince George, who is almost two, with the help of a full-time nanny.
Prince George’s christening took place in the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace in London in October 2013.
He was born at St Mary’s Hospital on July 22, 2013.
The prince, who is the third in line to the throne, wore a replica of the lace and satin christening gown made for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Victoria, the Princess Royal, in 1841.
Prince George’s christening was private, with only senior royals, four members of the Middleton family, the seven godparents and their spouses among the 22 guests.
The prince’s godparents are the Princess Royal’s daughter Zara Tindall, Oliver Baker, Emilia Jardine-Paterson, Earl Grosvenor, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, Julia Samuel, William van Cutsem.
Prince William and Kate Middleton have yet to announce Princess Charlotte’s godparents.
Norfolk Police is distributing letters warning the media not to harass Prince William and Kate Middleton and their family after the royal couple returned to Anmer Hall, their home on the Queen’s Sandringham Estate, with newborn Princess Charlotte on May 6.
The letter asks photographers respect Prince William and Kate Middleton’s privacy after “a number of intrusions” by people with long lenses.
It says it hopes “acts of harassment and breaches of privacy” cease.
Norfolk Police confirmed it was distributing letters on behalf of the royal couple.
Prince William and Kate Middleton have been staying at Kensington Palace since the birth of Princess Charlotte on May 2 but travelled to Norfolk on May 6.
The three-paragraph letter from the royal couple’s communications secretary is being distributed outside Sandringham by Norfolk Police.
The letter says members of the Royal Family and their guests “have a more than reasonable expectation of privacy” while in the private estate.
“There have in the past been a number of intrusions into the privacy of the Royal Family which in the main have been as a result of professional photographers using long-distance lenses, not only to observe the Royal Family, but also to photograph them going about their activities on the estate,” the letter says, adding that previous warnings given to photographers had helped the situation.
“The Sandringham Estate trusts that there will not be a need to take any further action other than bringing these points to your attention.”
Anmer Hall, a Georgian mansion, is about 2 miles east of the Queen’s residence and dates back to about 1800, although some parts are much older.
It has recently been refurbished and now boasts a new kitchen and roof.
A garden room and quarters for the family’s full-time nanny – who will also care for 21-month-old Prince George – was also created during the improvements.
The majority of the work at Anmer Hall was paid for by the Royal Family from private funds.
Princess Charlotte and her parents, Kate Middleton and Prince William, have left Kensinton Palace for their Norfolk home, Anmer Hall.
They will spend the first few weeks of Princess Charlotte’s life at their recently-refurbished Georgian mansion.
Prince William is beginning two weeks’ paternity leave from his job as an air ambulance helicopter pilot.
Queen Elizabeth II first met her new great-granddaughter this week when she visited Kensington Palace.
Princess Charlotte’s brother, 21-month-old Prince George, was with Prince William and Kate Middelton for the journey to Anmer Hall, where the couple will adjust to life with two young children.
Kate Middleton and Prince William are expected to be based at Anmer Hall – on the Queen’s Sandringham estate – for the next few years as they raise Princess Charlotte and Prince George, who is almost two, with the help of a full-time nanny.
The couple recently undertook major renovations of the mansion, including a new roof and kitchen and the creation of a garden room and quarters for the nanny.
The majority of the renovation costs were paid for by the Royal Family from private funds.
Princess Charlotte was born on May 2nd at London’s St Mary’s Hospital, weighing 8lbs 3oz.
Queen Elizabeth II has arrived at Kensington Palace to meet her new great-granddaughter, Prince William and Kate Middleton’s second child, Princess Charlotte.
Princess Charlotte, who is fourth in line to the throne, was born on May 2nd at London’s St Mary’s Hospital, weighing 8lbs 3oz (3.7kg).
Kensington Palace revealed the newborn princess had been named Charlotte Elizabeth Diana on May 4th.
Queen Elizabeth and other senior royals were told of the princess’ name before the announcement was made public.
Princess Charlotte was visited by her grandparents on Sunday, May 3rd.
Prince Charles and his wife Camilla spent more than an hour with their new granddaughter.
Kate Middleton’s parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, and sister Pippa have also met Princess Charlotte.
Gun salutes took place in London on Monday, May 4th to mark the birth of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s second child, Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana.
Soldiers from The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery rode out in a procession from Wellington Barracks, near Buckingham Palace, to sound 41 shots in Hyde Park.
At the same time, the Honourable Artillery Company left their Armoury House barracks in the City of London to fire a 62-gun salute at the Tower of London.
The fourth in line to the throne will be known as Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cambridge.
Princess Charlotte was born on Saturday, May 2nd, in the Lindo Wing of London’s St Mary’s Hospital weighing 8lbs 3oz.
Queen Elizabeth II and other senior royals were told of the baby’s name before the announcement was made public.
A Kensington Palace spokesman said on May 3rd: “The duke and duchess are hugely grateful for the messages of congratulations they have received from people all over the world. It means a great deal to them that so many people have celebrated the arrival of their new daughter.”
The name of the newborn princess – second child of Prince William and Kate Middleton and sister to Prince George – will not be announced on Sunday, May 3rd.
The princess, who is fourth in line to the British throne, was delivered at 08:34 BST on May 2nd at St Mary’s Hospital in London, and weighed 8lbs 3oz (3.7kg).
Bookmakers say Charlotte and Alice have emerged as the favorite names for the princess, followed by Olivia, Victoria and Elizabeth.
Royal baby names in Britain’s history:
Charlotte, the feminine form of Charles, has a long royal pedigree and became popular in the 18th century when it was the name of George III’s queen.
The King bought Buckingham House in 1761 for his wife Queen Charlotte to use as a family home close to St James’s Palace – it became known as the Queen’s House and is now Buckingham Palace.
Charles is the name of two former Kings and of the Prince of Wales, the princess’s grandfather.
Charlotte also has a connection on Kate Middleton’s side, as the middle name of her sister Pippa Middleton.
Alice, the previous bookmakers’ favorite, was the name of Prince Philip’s mother, Princess Alice of Battenberg and of his great-grandmother, who was the third child of Queen Victoria.
During the First World War, his mother’s family changed Battenberg, the family name, to Mountbatten – the name which the Duke of Edinburgh adopted when he became a naturalized British subject in 1947.
Other royal Alices include Queen Elizabeth II’s aunt by marriage, Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester and one of Queen Victoria’s granddaughters, Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone.
Olivia has no immediately apparent royal connections, it was the second most popular girls’ name for babies born in England and Wales in 2013, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Victoria and Elizabeth are arguably the most famous female names in British royal history – with Queen Victoria the longest reigning monarch, and the present Queen Elizabeth II set to surpass her record on September 9, 2015.
The Queen Mother was also called Elizabeth, and it is the middle name of Kate’s mother, Carole Middleton.
Queen Victoria is associated with Britain’s great age of industrial expansion, economic progress and, particularly, empire.
While the 45-year reign of Queen Elizabeth I of England, the daughter of Henry VIII and the last Tudor monarch, is considered one of the most glorious in English history, including the defeat of the Spanish Armada and the first works of Shakespeare.
Kate Middleton and Prince William’s new baby daughter has been visited by family members at Kensington Palace.
Prince Charles and his wife Camilla spent more than an hour with their new granddaughter.
Kate’s parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, and her sister Pippa also met the princess.
The princess, who is fourth in line to the throne, was delivered at 08:34 BST on May 2nd at St Mary’s Hospital in London, and weighed 8lbs 3oz (3.7kg).
Prince William and Kate Middleton will spend the next few days at Kensington Palace; afterwards they are expected to travel to their country home Anmer Hall on the Queen’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
A Kensington Palace spokesman said: “The duke and duchess are hugely grateful for the messages of congratulations they have received from people all over the world. It means a great deal to them that so many people have celebrated the arrival of their new daughter.
“Their Royal Highnesses were visited by the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, Mr. and Mrs. Middleton, and Pippa Middleton.”
Prince Harry, who narrowly missed the princess’s birth after returning to Australia to finish his secondment to the country’s military, said she was “absolutely beautiful” and he could not wait to meet her.
The name of the newborn princess – sister to Prince George – will not be announced on Sunday, May 3rd.
Bookmakers say Charlotte and Alice have emerged as the favorite names for the princess, followed by Olivia, Victoria and Elizabeth.
The arrival of a new royal baby is expected to boost visitor numbers to London, according to tourist chiefs.
VisitLondon.com is predicting that the British capital will welcome nearly 32million UK and overseas tourists this year – well up on the 29.1 million total achieved in 2013 – the year Prince George was born.
The year of 2013 was a record-breaking one for London, with almost 17 million overseas visits made to the capital.
Gordon Innes, chief executive of London & Partners, the Mayor of London’s official promotional company which runs VisitLondon.com, said: “While it’s impossible to quantify the effect the birth of a new royal baby will have on the number of tourists visiting London, it’s clear that London’s tourism is going from strength the strength, and its royal connections and attractions are key drivers that attract people from the UK and abroad to the capital.”
The royal princess, who is fourth in line to the throne and second child of Kate Middleton and Prince William, was delivered at 08:34 BST on Saturday, May 2nd, at St Mary’s Hospital in London, and weighed 8lbs 3oz (3.7kg).
Just hours after the birth of the new royal princess on Saturday, May 2nd, messages of congratulations for Kate Middleton and Prince William keep pouring on.
The newest royal member came to the world at 8.34 BST at St, Mary’s Hospital in London, weighing 8lb 3 oz.
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle have extended their best wishes to second-time parents Prince William and Kate Middleton.
In a statement from the White House, Barack and Michelle Obama wished the duke and duchess “much joy and happiness on the occasion of the arrival of the newest member of their family”.
The name of Kate Middleton and Prince William’s second child – sister to Prince George – could be announced on Sunday, May 3rd.
The newborn princess, who is fourth in line to the throne, was delivered at 08:34 BST on Saturday, May 2nd, at St Mary’s Hospital in London, and weighed 8lbs 3oz (3.7kg).
Photo AFP
Bookmakers have said Charlotte and Alice have emerged as the favorite names for the princess, followed by Olivia, Victoria and Elizabeth.
A spokeswoman for Ladbrokes said: “We’ve never known a day of royal speculation like it. Charlotte is the new favorite, but Olivia is the name on the nation’s lips.”
Soon we will know her name. The absence of knowledge hasn’t stopped the speculation. Elizabeth, Victoria, Alice and Charlotte have all attracted bets at the bookies.
Will Prince William honor his mother and choose Diana for one of the royal baby’s names?
London landmarks turned pink on Saturday night to mark the birth of the new royal princess.
Kate Middleton and Prince William’s second child, who is fourth in line to the throne, was delivered at 08:34 BST on May 2nd at St Mary’s Hospital in London, and weighed 8lbs 3oz (3.7kg).
Tower Bridge was among several London landmarks lit up in pink in the new princess’ honor.
Trafalgar Square’s fountains and the London Eye were also illuminated on Saturday night to mark the birth.
On May4th, the princess’s birth will be marked by gun salutes in Hyde Park and the Tower of London.
Soldiers from The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will ride out in procession from Wellington Barracks, near Buckingham Palace to sound 41 shots in the park at 14:00 BST.
A 62 Gun Salute by the Honourable Artillery Company will take place at the Tower of London at the same time.
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