The royal baby will be called George Alexander Louis of Cambridge, it has been announced.

Kate and William revealed their son's name today, two days after he was born.

The third in line to the throne was born on Monday at 4.24pm in St Mary's Hospital in London weighing 8lb 6oz.

The name George - chosen for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's baby son - is synonymous with British kings.

It has come to represent the continuity of the monarchy and remained the bookmakers' favourite in the name-guessing stakes from the moment Kate's pregnancy was announced.

Six King Georges have worn the crown throughout history since the German-born George I, the first Hanoverian king of Great Britain, acceded to the throne in 1714.

The first name of the last King George - George VI - was actually Albert and he was known to his family as "Bertie", but he selected George - his fourth name - to use as Sovereign.

He was the much-loved father of the present Queen and the new Prince George of Cambridge's great-great grandfather.

George VI chose George in honour of his father George V and to create the impression of stability after the scandal caused by the abdication of his brother Edward VIII.

George is also the fourth name of the Prince of Wales - the baby's grandfather. Even Edward VIII had George among his seven names.

The name means farmer or earth worker.

It was the 12th most popular name for boys born in England and Wales in 2011.