These are the most popular names for the royal baby

What do you think?

Words by Jadie Troy-Pryde

In case you missed it, Meghan Markle is pregnant - and the world is beyond excited for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The Queen is reportedly 'delighted' by the lovely news, and Meghan's mum, Doria Ragland, is said to be 'very happy' and 'looks forward to welcoming her first grandchild'.

As the couple prepare for the arrival of their little one, there's one question on everyone's mind: what will Harry and Meghan name their first child?

We already know about the Meghan Markle pregnancy rules, and that the baby's gender will be a closely guarded secret, but bookies and experts are already sharing their thoughts on the most likely moniker.

Former royal butler Grant Harrold believes that if Harry and Meghan welcome a baby girl, her name could be inspired by Harry's late mother, Diana.

He told the Standard: 'As far as royal names go – for a boy we may have a Charles or Philip, or for a girl Diana to honour the baby's grandmother, or perhaps Elizabeth.

'Then again, they may decide to go with a name that has close connections for the Duchess.

'Royal names tend to have a few middle names so I am sure they will pick names fitting for a royal baby.'

Royal expert Victoria Howard believes that Meghan could be the driving force behind a more unusual moniker.

She said: 'Meghan is American and from a different background to Harry, and of course both parents will want to influence the name.

'They might want to honour some of her family or ancestors and seeing as the baby will be a distance from the throne, they could go a bit left-field like Princess Anne did with Zara.'

But what other names are in the running for the next royal baby?

According to online bookies Betfair, there are some strong contenders. At the moment, their odds are as follows:

Royal baby names - girls

Diana - 12/1

Alice - 12/1

Elizabeth - 16/1

Victoria - 20/1

Grace - 30/1

Mary - 33/1

Olivia - 33/1

Royal baby names - boys

Arthur - 12/1

Edward - 16/1

James - 18/1

Henry - 25/1

Oliver - 25/1

Thomas - 25/1

Albert - 30/1

Alexander - 33/1

Katie Baylis, a Betfair spokesperson, said: 'Meghan’s loose coat at Princess Eugenie’s wedding on Friday led to speculation that an announcement was imminent and now that we have it, the Royal Baby name game starts.

'At this stage Diana, Arthur and Alice, which was favourite at different stages for Kate and William’s babies, are the 12/1 front runners.

'However, with months until the baby is born, those odds will shorten, change and other names will come to the forefront, so watch this space.'

According to private bookmakers Fitzdares, the odds differ slightly and names in the running include Philip, Nicholas, Isabella, Eleanor and Augusta.

Cute.