William remarks on ‘strong name’ amid wait to see what royal baby will be called

The duke said the new prince was ‘behaving himself’ and sleep was ‘going reasonably well so far’.

The Duke of Cambridge may have hinted at his preferences for naming his newborn son when he remarked on a guest’s “strong name”.

As the wait continues to see what the baby prince of Cambridge will be called, William returned to royal duties on Wednesday by joining Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at an Anzac Day service in London.

William replied: “Jerry’s a strong name.”

Asked how the duchess and the baby were, the duke replied: “They’re very well thanks.”

The Duke of Cambridge greets Meghan Markle and Prince Harry as they arrive at Westminster Abbey (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Punters are still trying to guess what the duke and duchess have chosen to call the baby prince.

Bookmakers reported a late flurry of bets on Albert – the name of Queen Victoria’s beloved consort, and the actual first name of the Queen’s father George VI.

What will the new prince of Cambridge be called? (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Harry Aitkenhead, of Coral, said: “We’re expecting the announcement in the next few hours and punters are rushing to get their bets on as the excitement builds.

“At the moment Arthur remains the favourite but we’re seeing a lot of money for Albert at the last minute.”

Philip – in tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh – is at 8-1, Alexander 10-1, Henry 12-1, and Frederick, Edward or Thomas 16-1.

The baby – William and Kate’s third child – was born on Monday at 11.01am weighing 8lb 7oz.

The duke and duchess have been caring for their two day old son at Kensington Palace, where they are settling into life as a family of five.

Royals traditionally keep the public guessing before revealing their choice of name.

William and Kate will want to share the name with the Queen and the rest of their family before making it public.

Kensington Palace said it would be announced in “due course”.

The Queen’s father, George VI, was actually Albert Frederick Arthur George and always known to his family as Bertie.

King George VI - whose first name was Albert - with his daughter Princess Elizabeth, now Elizabeth II (PA) — King George VI – whose first name was Albert – with his daughter Princess Elizabeth, now Elizabeth II (PA)

Prince George and Princess Charlotte’s names were announced two days after they born, suggesting the news will be made known on Wednesday.

Bookies also slashed odds on William and Kate naming their baby Alexander.

As William chatted to the Australian High Commissioner, Alexander Downer, at Westminster Abbey, Mr Downer asked: “Have you thought of the name Alexander for him?”

The duke replied: “Well, it’s funny you should say that. It’s a good name.”

Prince George already has Alexander as one of his middle names.

Ladbrokes cut odds on Alexander from 10-1 to 5-1 after William’s comments prompted a rush of bets.

Alex Apati, of Ladbrokes, said: “We’re not entirely convinced about this one given that George’s middle name is Alexander, but punters clearly think they’re onto something and we’ve had to respond accordingly.”