Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana: The Meaning Behind The Name
Yesterday, the public heard the second royal baby, the Princess of Cambridge, was officially called Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana. While many commented on the use of particular names, there were others looking into the meaning. According to the Kensington Palace official, the “names speaks for itself,” and there are certainly royal links to each of the names.
Elizabeth and Diana for the middle names are understandable. Diana, Princess of Wales, was Prince William’s mother and she has been a prominent part in his life since her death in 1997. People around the world expected Diana to be used, and many royal fans were extremely happy to hear that it was one of the middle names for Princess Charlotte. While some wanted Diana as a first name, The Daily Mail reports that Prince William had already said that would not happen.
Elizabeth was another name expected, in honor of Queen Elizabeth II. It is also in honor of the late Queen Mother, as well as in honor of Queen Elizabeth I, arguably the first woman to make it clear that queens could rule on their own in Britain.
The name Charlotte as a number of royal links. For some, Princess Charlotte has been named that as a nod to her grandfather, Princes Charles of Wales, as it is the female version of the name. However, others have pointed out that the Duchess of Cambridge’s sister Pippa’s middle name is also Charlotte. The name also has links in royal history with George VI’s daughter, Princess Charlotte. She was expected to be queen, but died at the age of 21 after the stillbirth of her only child. The name was also given to George III’s wife.
ITV reports that Princess Charlotte was likely named after her grandfather. Prince William explained that he has the greatest admiration for the Prince of Wales due to the amount of time he spends on his charitable work. Prince Charles has always been a supportive father for both his sons, while trying to protect them from the press after the death of their mother almost 20 years ago.
It is likely that the new royal princess will get a nickname. Some suggest that Lottie or Charlie will be used. Both are extremely common for girls named Charlotte, and have meanings of their own. Charlie means “free man” and Lottie means “feminine” and “petite.”
Now that Princess Charlotte has been officially named, the bets have moved onto who will be named has her godparents.
[Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images]
