Prince William and Kate Middleton to call daughter ‘Diana’

Despite being in the early stages of pregnancy, rumours are circulating that if the Duke and the Duchess have a girl they will call her Elizabeth Diana, after the late Princess of Wales.

The Sun on Sunday reported that royal biographer Andrew Morton, revealed that the Cambridge’s plan to name their daughter in honour of Prince William’s beloved mum.

“Close friends to William and Kate have told me that if it is a girl they want to name the baby after Diana,” Morton said.

“They discussed girls’ names before George was born and now they’re hoping the next one is a girl so they can carry out their wish to honour William’s mother.

The decision could ruffle some feathers in the monarchy, in view of the rumoured tensions that existed between Diana and senior members of the royal family, but Kate and William are said to be determined to have their way.

“They’re not too thrilled at the thought it will be shortened to Princess Di. But it won’t change their minds,” Morton said.

Following Morton’s claims, bookmakers are have seen a spike in the name’s popularity with some reports claiming bets of upwards of £1000 ($1800AUD) have been placed.

Elizabeth, Victoria and Alexandra are also popular female names with royal baby name punters.

It seems the late Princess of Hearts is never far from her son’s mind.

In November 2010 Wills famously presented Kate with the engagement ring that once belonged to Diana, saying it was “my way of making sure my mother didn’t miss out on today and the excitement”.

The latest royal pregnancy was announced on September 8, and after suffering from a spell of acute morning sickness the Duchess is set to return to royal duties next month.

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