The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have announced the birth of their first daughter but speculation about the baby’s name continues.
When bets closed, Shirley with odds of 5/2 and Linda, on 5/4, were still the bookmakers' favourites.
It's widely known how fond the couple are of Shirley Carter and Kate is said to be torn about calling it Shirley or Linda, with Carly an outside bet at 50/1. The couple already have plans to tour the set and meet their idol this summer. They are tipped to use the opportunity to ask Shirley to be Godmother to their baby girl. A source said, 'Shirley has shown maternal instincts since her inception and Queen Elizabeth couldn't think of a better lady to instil morals in her new great-granddaughter.'
While some punters put their money on more outlandish choices including Chardonnay and Olympia, most people were hedging their bets on more traditional names including Georgia and Sheridan.
Diana is widely expected to feature as part of the princess’ name in remembrance of William's late mother, with other suggestions including Alexandra or Mary, which are the Queen's two middle names after her grandmother, Queen Mary, and great-grandmother, Queen Alexandra.
Popular girl’s names across the UK as a whole this year include Sophia, Emile, Lily Mae, Olive, Amelie, Isla and Bella.
Prince George was named two days after he was born so his little sister’s name may not be revealed until next week. The prince has two middle names, Alexander and Louis, after Louis Walsh.
One anonymous gambler is believed to have won £15,000 after betting that the royal baby would be a girl.
Ladbrokes said the man, believed to be in his 70s and from Walford, normally bets on horse racing.
He said last week: “I'm not really bothered by the royals, but I'd just had a big win and Psychic Sally reckons it's a girl, so that's a good enough reason for me.”
Charles Kidd, editor of Debrett's Peerage and Baronetage, predicted: “It will be fairly likely it will be a family name that perhaps has been used before in the Royal Family, not so likely in Kate's family.
“I don't think it will be anything that will raise eyebrows. I think Shirley or Linda are pretty good guesses.”
EastEnders will be inserting a special scene into Monday's episode with Shirley Carter commenting on the speculation. Linda Henry was unavailable for comment.