Britons are indulging in last-minute betting as they wait for the imminent birth of the royal baby, first child of Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
Prince William’s wife is due to give birth to their first child at St. Mary’s Hospital at Paddington, central London.
The exact due date is, however, a secret, and betting on the day of birth is increasing.
Bookmakers William Hill said most customers believed that Thursday, July 11, is the day the royal heir will be born. “We have seen a flurry of activity in the last couple of days, the majority of which is for the baby to be born on Thursday this week,” William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams said.
Betting on female names for the royal baby is very popular. Britons are backing a female heir to the throne and believe the royal couple has more chances of having a girl compared to a boy. Ladbrokes is offering betting on girl (2/5) and boy (2/1) and William Hill 4/7 for female and 5/4 for male.
Alexandra is the favourite name for the new baby.
Other options being bet upon are Charlotte, Diana, Elizabeth and Victoria. Paddy Power is offering 11/8 odds for Alexandra and William Hill 7/2. Many bets have also been placed on “James”, also the name of Catherine’s younger brother.