New British royal baby named Charlotte Elizabeth Diana

London, May 4: The name of Britain's Princess of Cambridge, who was born on Saturday, is Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, Kensington Palace announced on Monday, May 4.

The announcement was made two days after the princess's birth in St Mary's Hospital in London.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had decided on a name shortly after her birth but they wanted to inform Queen Elizabeth first before it was made public, the Daily Mail reported.

The family met the Queen on Monday in Sandringham.

Though there is no official protocol that the Queen should be informed before the name is made public, Prince William decided to give the honour to his grandmother with whom he has grown especially close in recent years, the Mail report said.

There had been speculation that the name of Prince William's mother, Diana, could be included in the new royal baby's name.

According to a BBC report, a Kensington Palace official, when asked about the choice of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, said: "We'll let the names speak for themselves."

Charlotte is the feminine form of the name of the baby's grandfather, Prince Charles.

Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana is the fourth in line to the British throne after Prince Charles, Prince William and her elder brother Prince George, who will turn two on July 22.

Meanwhile, celebratory events were held across Britain on Monday to mark the birth of the royal baby.

Forty one volleys were fired by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery in Hyde Park at 2 p.m., Xinhua news agency reported.

The Honourable Artillery Company also fired a 62-gun salute at the Tower of London.

The Royal Artillery Band also played music to celebrate the birth of the new princess.

The bells at Westminster Abbey joined in the celebrations, pealing at 2 p.m.

Gun salutes were also given in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Hillsborough castles, British media reported.

The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Duchess's family visited the new princess on Sunday, Kensington Palace said.

Prince Harry, who is currently in Australia, said his niece was "absolutely beautiful".

"I can't wait to meet her," he was quoted as saying.

IANS