Prince William's Eye-Raising Alternative Names for Prince George Left Palace Staff Stuttering
A new biography of the Prince and Princess of Wales by Mirror royal editor Russell Myers has unveiled the unusual names Prince William humorously proposed for their firstborn child, Prince George. The book, titled William and Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story, reveals that the royal couple spent extensive time researching names, with William often suggesting very unconventional options.
Royal Couple's Name Deliberations and Humorous Moments
According to the biography, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, welcomed their first son, Prince George, in 2013. In the months leading up to his birth, they engaged in brainstorming sessions for the heir to the throne. The book details that they spent hours poring over a baby name book gifted by a close friend, often ending in laughter due to William's left-field suggestions.
Royal sources indicate that William would frequently start meetings with his press team by blurting out name ideas such as Rodney for a boy or maybe Graham, pausing for their stuttered responses before roaring with amusement. This playful approach highlighted the couple's lighthearted dynamic during this significant period.
Contrasting Preferences and Final Decisions
The biography notes that Catherine had her heart set on Alexander for a boy or Alexandra for a girl, the latter being Queen Elizabeth's middle name. In contrast, William privately expressed a preference for a daughter and wished to incorporate a tribute to his late mother, Princess Diana, likely as a middle name. Despite the humorous suggestions, William eventually favored a more traditional route, settling on a shortlist of two names for a boy: George and Louis.
The book draws on exclusive access to palace insiders, offering never-before-told context about major events in the lives of the Prince and Princess of Wales. It covers their journey from meeting at St Andrews University to shaping a modern monarchy amid challenges like Kate's cancer diagnosis and public tensions with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Broader Insights from the Explosive Biography
Russell Myers, who has followed the royal couple for nearly a decade, describes the biography as an intimate portrait that moves beyond headlines. It explores themes of love, resilience, and their public duties during an era of extreme change. The book also reveals how William protected his children following Kate's diagnosis and navigated conflicts within the royal family, including a row with King Charles over Prince Andrew.
William and Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story, published by Ebury, Penguin Random House, is available for pre-order and promises further revelations about the couple's private lives and their vision for the monarchy's future.
