Despite this, the couple had not settled on a final choice before the birth. Friends close to them suggested that they were keeping their options open, even though Kate privately referred to her unborn son using a sweet nickname. While pregnant, she allegedly called him her “little grape,” a detail that has since delighted royal fans.
Why George became the final choice
Once Prince George was born, the name announced to the world carried deep royal meaning. George was a tribute to Prince William’s great grandfather, King George VI, who reigned from 1936 to 1952 and was the father of Queen Elizabeth II.
If Prince George chooses to reign under the same name one day, he would become King George VII. The previous King George, Queen Elizabeth’s father, was born Albert but chose George as his regnal name to honour his own father, George V, and to bring stability to the monarchy after the turbulent abdication of his brother, Edward VIII.
Kate’s preference was not entirely set aside. Alexander was included as one of George’s middle names, giving her the chance to use the name she had once hoped would be his first.
The family nickname and royal naming tradition
