Royal baby named Charlotte Elizabeth Diana

(Agencies) Updated: 2015-05-05 07:34

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, depart the Lindo Wing with their newborn daughter at St Mary's Hospital in London, England, May 2, 2015. The baby girl made her first appearance to the public. [Photo/CFP]

LONDON - It's a name that immediately evokes British royal history: Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana.

Prince William and his wife Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, on Monday announced the name they picked for Britain's newborn princess, a choice seen as a tribute to both Prince William's parents and grandmother, the queen, as well as a link to Kate's family.

The princess, the second child of William and Kate, will be known as Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, royal officials said.

The birth of Princess Charlotte marks a new chapter for William and Kate, widely seen as the monarchy's most modern, popular couple, but the names they picked are firmly rooted in royal tradition. Charlotte, the feminine form of Charles, appears to be a nod to the newborn's grandfather, Prince Charles. The baby's middle names honor Queen Elizabeth II, the infant's 89-year-old great-grandmother, and the late Princess Diana, William's mother and the baby's grandmother.

Charlotte also features in Kate's family, as the middle name of her sister, Pippa Middleton.

The newborn princess is fourth in line to the throne after Charles, William and her older brother, 21-month-old Prince George.

William and Kate introduced the baby princess to the world Saturday evening, just 12 hours after Kate checked into St. Mary's Hospital in London to give birth. The baby weighed in at 8 pounds, 3 ounces (3.7 kilograms).

Her new name was warmly welcomed Monday by royal fans. Some were particularly pleased about the tribute to Diana, still remembered fondly by many. Diana, who died in 1997 at age 36, gave birth to William and Harry at the same London hospital where Charlotte was born.

"I so much wanted the name Diana to be in there somewhere,'' said Munever Halil, 52. "I wanted it to be Elizabeth Diana, so I think it's lovely.''

Charles Spencer, Diana's brother, also approved of the choice.

"Perfect names. My 2-year-old Charlotte Diana will be thrilled at cousinly name-sharing,'' he tweeted.

Earlier Monday, Westminster Abbey's bells pealed and gun salutes were fired across London in honor of the newborn princess. In a display of traditional pageantry, dozens of deafening volleys were fired from Hyde Park and the Tower of London to mark the occasion.