Name to set trend for next generation

Bookmakers will be taking flurries of bets on what the duke and duchess of Cambridge will choose to call the eagerly anticipated new prince or princess.

Speculation as to what they might name their first child began even before Kate was pregnant with predictions posted ranging from Mary and Matilda to Edmund and George on the mumsnet website before their wedding.

Their decision — be it traditional or unusual — will most likely set a trend for the next generation of babies. Royal youngsters are mostly given safe, historical names which are passed down through the monarchy such as James, Edward, Charles, George, Mary and Elizabeth.