The Royal Pup Who Picked a Prince: How Lupo Influenced Prince George’s Name
The birth of a royal baby is always a momentous occasion, but for Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, the anticipation surrounding their first child was amplified by a touch of playful uncertainty. While the world eagerly awaited news of their son, the royal couple themselves reportedly engaged in a rather unconventional naming process, enlisting the help of their beloved cocker spaniel, Lupo, to make the final decision. Prince George, who recently celebrated his ninth birthday on July 22nd, has a name with a unique backstory, according to royal expert Katie Nicholl, who shared insights with The Mirror.
Nicholl revealed that before their son’s arrival, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were keeping the gender of their baby a surprise. While many expected the couple to have a clear vision for their child’s name, friends close to them indicated that Prince William was particularly keen on preserving the element of surprise. However, the Duchess of Cambridge is said to have had a strong intuition, suspecting she was carrying a boy. She even had a favoured name in mind: Alexander. Despite her personal preference, a definitive decision had yet to be made on what to christen their firstborn.
A Trio of Names and a Canine Decision-Maker
The process of selecting a name for a future king is undoubtedly a weighty matter, and the Cambridges reportedly grappled with a shortlist of potential monikers. According to reports from The Times, the ultimate choice was made with a little help from Lupo, their loyal canine companion.
The contenders for the young prince’s name were reportedly:
- George: This name ultimately triumphed, honouring King George VI, the father of Queen Elizabeth II.
- Alexander: A strong contender, this name was considered partly in tribute to the Queen, whose middle name is Alexandra.
- Louis: Another significant option, this name would have paid homage to Prince Louis Alexander of Battenberg, the maternal grandfather of Prince Philip.
The story, as it has emerged, suggests a charming and somewhat whimsical approach to finalising the prince’s name. The rumour mill churned with tales of the three potential names being written down on separate slips of paper. These slips were then laid out on the floor, and Lupo was invited to make his selection. In a moment that has become a fond anecdote in royal circles, the cocker spaniel reportedly nudged the slip bearing the name ‘George’, thus sealing the fate of the young prince’s future title. This playful yet decisive act by Lupo cemented the name that would become synonymous with one of the most recognisable young royals in the world.
