Latest on Meghan's pregnancy: Baby name spoilers and betting on twins
Ever since Kensington Palace announced that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expecting their first child in spring 2019, everything from the estimated due date to Meghan’s bump have fallen under the media spotlight.
So it comes as no surprise to see this week’s headlines on the royal baby – which may want to be taken with more than just a pinch of salt.
Are Harry and Meghan expecting twins?
This morning, popular bookmakers Paddy Power announced that it’s stopped taking further bets on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcoming twins.
According to the Irish betting chain, a flurry of predictions took place today and the company was forced to refuse any further wagers due to an “abnormal” number of bets.
Prior to the suspension, bets stood at 5/1 for the royal newlyweds having twins.
A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) on Oct 15, 2018 at 12:40am PDT
A spokesperson for Paddy Power announced: “An unprecedented amount of bets on Meghan and Harry to have twins has forced us to stop taking bets on the market altogether this morning.”
“Since the day began, the stream of bets has led us to believe that perhaps the punters – or an insider source – knows something more than we do.”
Likewise, competitor Coral has also cut odds on the Duchess of Sussex giving birth to twins. Back in October, the bookmaker intrigued royal fans by slicing odds from 8/1 to 4/1.
With royal baby fever at fever pitch, UK money spent on name, gender and due date predictions is reportedly set to overtake the estimated £3 million spent on all three of the Cambridge children.
Will the royal baby have an Australian name?
It’s not merely the tabloids fuelling the royal baby rumours, as Prince Charles recently added fuel to the whispers.
During a reception celebrating the centenary of Australia House, the heir to the throne reportedly revealed: “Incidentally ladies and gentlemen my son Harry tells me that during their recent tour of Australia, he and his wife were offered countless thoughtful suggestions for the naming of their forthcoming baby.”
“Just between us, I suspect that Kylie and Shane may possibly make the shortlist. But ladies and gentlemen I would not hold your breath for Edna or Les,” he added.
Though the 70-year-old was undoubtedly making a joke during his speech, the royal couple could opt for a less traditional regal moniker.
From their beloved PDA to unconventional wedding ceremony, Harry and Meghan are no strangers to breaking the Buckingham Palace rulebook.
Unlike the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, their children are not likely bear a prince or princess title so there is bound to be more flexibility when choosing their name/s.
Over at Paddy Power, Diana currently stands at 8/1 in the name leaderboard followed closely behind Arthur (12/1) and Alice (12/1) – all of which featured as possibilities for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s three children.
Edward came in at 16/1 while Elizabeth – which is Princess Charlotte’s middle name – is also a contender. Political-inspired names Boris and Donald are unsurprisingly last in the pack at 200/1.
James is the current favourite at 7/1 over at Coral with Thomas (12/1) following closely behind.
Although the couple are sure to forgo tradition with the possibility of Meghan choosing an American moniker in tribute to her roots – we’re not holding our breath for Shane.
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