Royal baby: Gun salutes to mark birth as Queen learns great grandchild's name first

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have announced the name of their new daughter after telling the Queen first.

She has been named Charlotte Elizabeth Diana in reverence to her grandfather, grandmother and great-great grandmother.

"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to announce that they have named their daughter Charlotte Elizabeth Diana," in a statement released by Kensington Palace, today (4 May).

"The baby will be known as Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cambridge."

Prince William, who is close to his grandmother, wanted to bestow her the honour of knowing the name of her fifth great-grandchild before informing the public.

Kate Middleton and William left Kensington Palace on 4 May to start a new life in Norfolk and introduce their new addition to Her Majesty and Prince Philip, who are currently residing at Wood Farm.

"The Queen and her grandson have grown exceptionally close in recent years and he trusts her judgment implicitly," an insider told the Daily Mail.

"Indeed, William is far more likely to turn to her than even his father, as he did when he was unhappy about the guest list that had been forced upon him for his wedding.

"She told him to rip it up and start again with the people he actually wanted there. She is rather indulgent of her grandson like that and wants him to enjoy family life as much as he can before he becomes immersed in the formalities of royal life. It is understandable that William would want to see her in person."

The bookies' favourites for the royal baby name were Alice and Charlotte, with Victoria, Elizabeth and Olivia being possible contenders. Gun salutes took place across London to mark the arrival of the baby.

The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery rode out in a procession from Wellington Barracks, near Buckingham Palace, to fire 41 shots in Hyde Park at 2pm. There were salutes at the Tower of London.