New Royal baby name: Why the public are backing Arthur for the Duchess of Cambridge's third child

Arthur is leading the way as the most popular Royal baby name with bookies because it “resonates” with the public, experts have claimed.

Royal fans are expecting an imminent announcement from Kensington Palace regarding the name of Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's second son, who was born on Monday at 11.01am weighing 8lbs 7oz.

Arthur has been the most popular selection overnight and into Wednesday morning at odds of 5/2.

Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes said: "Another surge of bets have come in for Arthur and he remains the favourite at 5/2, but James is still an incredibly popular bet and it seems like punters can't quite seem to make their mind up between the two monikers."

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams explained why Arthur is the favourite among Brits.

He said: “Arthur resonates with the public as it links to the mystical legend of King Arthur so beloved by the public.

“There is the link with Queen Victoria’s seventh child, her favourite son and third son Prince Arthur Duke of Connaught. He was godfather to Princess Elizabeth of York, later to become Queen Elizabeth II.

“His grandson the 2nd Duke was Alastair Arthur and died at 29,” he added.

The likelihood of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s third child being named after his great-grandfather Prince Philip, who turns 97 in June, is waning at 8/1.

Mr Fitzwilliams believes it could be chosen as a middle name instead.

He said: “It will most likely be the baby’s middle name in tribute to Prince Philip, the Queen’s “strength and stay”, and not a first name.

“This is because there is already one member of the royal family with Philip as a first name and another is unlikely. This would also rule Henry out.”

Ms Bridge of Ladbrokes added: "The initial enthusiasm for Charles, Philip and Michael appears to be fading, with punters possibly believing they would be middle names rather than the first one."

James remains a strong selection with punters and follows close behind Arthur at 4/1, while Albert is next in line at 5/1.

Despite James being the name of Kate’s younger brother, Mr Fitzwilliams said it is an unlikely choice.

He said: “It links notoriously with James II who had to flee the country in 1685 and also with James I of England and VI of Scotland who united the crowns of England and Scotland, so there is a link to a line of Scottish kings. It would be a surprise choice as a first name.”

Alexander (10/1) and Henry (12/1) have also seen their odds cut by bookies.

It's a shade of odds-on at 5/6 the name is announced on Wednesday 25th April.