London: Diana has emerged as the most popular name among Britons if Prince William and wife Kate Middleton have a girl, according to a new poll.
According to a YouGov poll for 'The Sunday Times', 12 per cent think naming the child after her paternal grandmother, Diana, Princess of Wales, would be the best choice.
The survey of 2,200 adults found Alice and Charlotte were the next most popular options, both attracting the support of 9 per cent.
According to the instincts of the British betting public, the Duchess of Cambridge will give birth to a blonde daughter and she will be named Alice.
The last Princess Alice, who died in 2004 at the age of 102, was the Queen Elizabeth II's aunt. Charlotte, a feminine version of Charles, may be regarded as a tribute to Prince Charles, the baby's paternal grandfather.
If the baby is a boy, 13 per cent would like him to be called James. Other popular names include Alexander (8 per cent) and Richard and Louis (both 7 per cent).
The task of naming the newborn is imminent, with the Duchess due to go into the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, central London, at any time.
A quarter of those surveyed think a girl would be better for the royal family this time, with 3 per cent saying a boy would be preferable. Most said it would make no difference.
Just 3 per cent think the Cambridges, whose son Prince George is 21-months-old, are having a second child too soon. Almost half (49 per cent) deem the timing right.
A large majority (68 per cent) also believe Prince William is right to take six weeks' paternity leave before returning to his job as a pilot. A similar number agree with the couple's desire to keep their son largely out of the limelight.
Royal baby watchers are on the edge of their seats amid unconfirmed reports the Duchess of Cambridge's first child is due in the coming days.
She will be admitted to St Mary's hospital to give birth, where dozens of journalists and members of the public have been camped out for days awaiting her arrival.
The Kensington Palace press office has refused to confirm a due date, despite the Duchess previously saying it would be in mid to late April.
"There have been plenty of dates bandied around in the media but we've never confirmed anything and we never will," a spokesperson said.
