Punters are holding their breath for news of a royal baby as bookmakers take bets on the name of the future king or queen.

The arrival of the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William’s first child is rumoured to be imminent and enterprising bookies are making the most of the excitement.

Kevin Mulligan, a manager at Jennings Bet in Epping High Street, said: “Since the rumours it was going to be a girl started, we’ve had a lot of people asking what names are available.

“Alexandra, Victoria, Elizabeth and Diana were quite popular to start with, but Alexandra has become a hot favourite, at 6/4, from 5/1.

“The shortest price for a boy’s name is George, at 10/1, which shows the difference.

“James, which is also a good solid royal name, has also been popular.”

Alexandra is also a favourite at Ladbrokes in Wanstead High Street, with James and Victoria level-pegging at 6/1 each.

Charlotte is also being offered at 6/1, with Elizabeth and Diana both at 8/1.

Branch manager Raymond Graves said: “In the shop, there’s not been a lot of interest.

“Most betting on this will be online and over the telephone.

“This baby will end up on the throne, as they’ve changed the succession laws, so it’s quite significant.”

But Manager of Betfred in Leytonstone High Road, Tony Miller, said there had not been much interest there in placing bets around the royal baby. 

He added: “Maybe one person in every 100 who comes in is interested. We've had more buzz around X Factor. 

“We have been asked for odds on things like the colour of the Queen's hat at Ascot. 

“I think a lot of it depends on location. Around Windsor and Ascot, maybe there's more interest.”

As well as names, other bookmakers are offering odds for more unusual bets, such as how long it will be before the royal child is first photographed by the press leaving a night club.