When the Prince and Princess of Wales introduced their firstborn to the world, one of the most anticipated details was his name. It took two days after the royal baby was born on 22 July 2013 for his name to be announced as George Alexander Louis. But did you know the Princess originally had a different name in mind for her eldest son?
In his book, William and Catherine, The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story, The Daily Mirror's Royal Editor, Russell Myers explained that while expecting her first child, whose sex they did not know prior to the birth, Kate "spent hours" researching names for their first baby.
According to the book, Kate was keen on Alexander or Alexandra, while William wanted to include a tribute to his late mother, Princess Diana, if they had a girl.
"Catherine had her heart set on Alexander for a boy or Alexandra (also Queen Elizabeth's middle name) for a girl. William had privately voiced his preference for having a girl, and was keen to incorporate a tribute to his late mother, most likely in the form of a middle name," Russell wrote.
© Getty ImagesHe added: "The couple had been given a book of baby names by a close friend, which they spent hours thumbing through - they often ended up in fits of laughter after one or the other had presented a more left-field suggestion."
According to the excerpt, while Kate would run potential names past her fellow mum friends, William would surprise his press team by suggesting unexpected names, and would begin meetings by asking, "What do you think about Rodney for a boy, or maybe Graham?" and pause for a response before erupting in laughter.
© Samir Hussein/WireImageAccording to etymology, while Alexander is a classic name, it is also derived from the Greek word Alexandros, which means "defending men". Therefore, it has always been categorised as a very strong and masculine name.
Eventually, according to Russell, the couple settled on George as their preferred boy's name.
What is Prince George's significant middle name?
Despite not being the first choice, Alexander did make it into George's name as his middle name. Meanwhile, Louis is also one of George's middle names, giving him a sweet link to his little brother and it is also one of William's middle names.
© UK Press via Getty Images, Antony Jones/Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty ImagesMeanwhile, the future King and Queen honoured William's late mother, Princess Diana, by making Diana one of Princess Charlotte's middle names, while also paying tribute to his grandmother by including Elizabeth as another.
Teenage years
Now 13 years old, Prince George has recently started a big new chapter, following in his father's footsteps by attending the prestigious Eton College, close to his Windsor home.
On his first day, he was accompanied by his parents, who carried umbrellas in the rain while he wore a smart jacket and tie.
© Getty Images"Welcome, good luck, enjoy," said the head teacher, shaking hands with Prince George. The royal will now board at Eton College until he is at least 18 years old.
