Beatrice’s name was almost quite different…
Prince Beatrice was born 37 years ago today and was given her unique yet beautiful name. However, she wasn’t always meant to be called Beatrice.
In fact, Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew were set on a different name for their first born but Queen Elizabeth wasn’t convinced.
Princess Beatrice nearly had a very different name
As is customary, Sarah and Andrew sat down with Queen Elizabeth and had an “informal chat” where they mentioned what they planned to name their first daughter.
It was here that they revealed a name that Queen Elizabeth wasn’t impressed by.
In fact, Queen Elizabeth was so unconvinced, she had an alternative to suggest.
Born in 1988, a year where the most popular name for girls was reportedly Jessica, Sarah and Andrew wished to call their new arrival Princess Annabel.
Sarah Ferguson was said to have had her heart set on the name.
Queen Elizabeth ‘wasn’t impressed’ by Fergie and Andrew’s choice
Unfortunately for her, Queen Elizabeth allegedly thought the name was too “too yuppie,” according to The Sun.
According to Hello, the monarch “does not have to approve royal baby names.”
However, Queen Elizabeth “was often informed or consulted of any proposed names before being officially announced.”
Meanwhile, bets were already been placed over what Beatrice’s name would be, with many chattering about Annabel, especially as Andrew was quoted at the time stating their bundle of joy would bear the name.
Bets on Princess Beatrice’s name
Elsewhere, other hopefuls were sure Charlotte, Victoria and Elizabeth would be in the running.
Of course, we now know Fergie and Andrew threw a bit of curve ball with the use of the name Beatrice.
In fact, not a single bet was placed on the name Beatrice at two of the largest bookmakers at the time, according to reports.
The Press Association quoted a William Hill bookmakers exclaiming at the news: “It”s terrific. We couldn’t have chosen a better name.”
A Coral bookmaker was quoted to have said: “It is a bit of a surprise for everybody. Victoria and Elizabeth were the two favourites.”
Only The Sun predicted Beatrice as the name of the new princess, but no direct quotes were given describing why the queen wasn’t impressed by Annabel.
Beatrice was chosen as it was said to be royal enough for the queen but unusual enough for Fergie.
Queen Victoria’s youngest child boasted the name, which derives from the latin for “one who brings joy”.
Many royals bear a family name
Princess Beatrice’s full name is Princess Beatrice Elizabeth Mary.
Both Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi’s daughters, Sienna and Athena, share Elizabeth as their middle name, in tribute to their great grandmother.
Princess Anne also has the middle name Elizabeth, as do several of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Princess Charlotte, Zara Tindall, Lena Tindall, Lady Louise Windsor and Isla Phillips all share the family name in tribute to her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth.
How sweet!
