Kate Middleton Had Her ‘Heart Set’ on a Different Name for Prince George, New Book Reveals

Kate Middleton and Prince William went back and forth about what to name their first child, Prince George.

The Prince and Princess of Wales became parents when George, now 12, was born in July 2013, and the name decision carried extra weight because he is a future heir to the throne.

In the upcoming book William and Catherine, The Monarchy’s New Era: The Inside Story, out March 10, author Russell Myers writes that the couple “spent hours” researching names for their first baby. They did not learn their child’s sex before the birth, and the book says they struggled to agree on options.

In excerpts published Feb. 17, Kate is said to have favored Alexander or Alexandra, while William reportedly wanted to honor his late mother, Princess Diana, if they had a daughter.

George was born July 22, 2013, and was named George Alexander Louis. His first name is widely seen as a nod to King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II’s father, who led Britain through World War II and died in 1952.

The couple later welcomed daughter Charlotte Elizabeth Diana on May 2, 2015, followed by son Louis Arthur Charles on April 23, 2018. Louis’ name has been interpreted as a tribute to Lord Louis Mountbatten, a close relative and mentor figure to Prince Philip who was killed in 1979.

The book also looks at William and Kate’s relationship, their life in the public eye, and how they see the monarchy’s future. Excerpts published so far additionally claim William pushed for Prince Andrew to be removed from royal life well before later steps were taken, describe how the couple spoke to their children about Kate’s cancer diagnosis in 2024, and suggest Kate was less eager than William to pursue a reconciliation with Prince Harry after he and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties in 2020.